Veteran Funeral Benefits in Canada — Last Post Fund and VAC Programs
For Canadian veterans and their families, federal funeral and burial assistance programs exist through the Last Post Fund and Veterans Affairs Canada. The programs are means-tested and have specific eligibility — not all veterans qualify, but those who do can receive substantial financial assistance plus access to the National Military Cemetery.
The Last Post Fund
A non-profit organisation that administers VAC's Funeral and Burial Program. Founded in 1909 to ensure no Canadian veteran is denied a dignified funeral due to lack of funds.
What it covers:
- Basic funeral services (up to specified cap)
- Cremation OR burial costs
- Grave marker
- Transportation costs in some circumstances
Current funding cap: The maximum rate payable toward funeral home costs (professional services, casket or urn) is $7,376 plus tax. Separate maximums apply for the plot, cemetery opening/closing charges, and cremation costs. Rates are set by Veterans Affairs Canada and updated periodically — confirm the current figure with the Last Post Fund before budgeting.
Eligibility — two main paths
Path 1: Means-tested. Veteran's estate has limited resources to cover funeral costs. Spouse's resources may also be considered. Specific means test thresholds apply.
Path 2: Service-related. Death resulted from service-related causes (e.g., recognized military service disability that contributed to death).
In both cases, the veteran must have qualifying military service — Canadian Armed Forces, war veterans (WWII, Korean War), and specific other categories.
How to apply
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Through the funeral home. Most Canadian funeral homes have experience with Last Post Fund applications and submit on behalf of the family.
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Required documentation:
- Veteran's service record (or Statement of Service)
- Death certificate
- Financial information for means test
- Funeral cost itemisation
- Veteran identification (typically held in family records or available from VAC)
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Timeline: Applications must be submitted within one year of the veteran's death. Filing earlier is still recommended, since it helps the funeral home and family manage costs during the process.
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Approval and payment. Last Post Fund reviews; if approved, payment is made directly to the funeral home, reducing the family's out-of-pocket cost.
National Military Cemetery (Beechwood, Ottawa)
Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa is home to the National Military Cemetery of Canada. Eligible veterans may be interred there, plus their spouses in many cases. Distinct from regional military sections found in some other Canadian cemeteries.
Eligibility: Specific veteran categories qualify; check with Beechwood Cemetery or Veterans Affairs Canada for specific criteria.
Other military cemetery options: Many other Canadian cemeteries have military sections; veterans can be interred there with appropriate honours and the Last Post Fund may cover the costs.
Military honours
Eligible veterans may receive military honours at the funeral:
- Flag-draped casket
- Honour guard
- Last Post and Reveille bugle calls
- Three-volley salute (gunshot tribute)
- Flag presentation to next of kin
Coordinated through:
- The veteran's regiment (if known affiliation)
- Royal Canadian Legion branch
- Veterans Affairs Canada
RCMP and first responder considerations
RCMP members have separate funeral protocols and benefits administered by the RCMP. Some veterans who later served in RCMP may have eligibility for both programs. See our RCMP funeral traditions article.
First responders (police, fire, paramedic) have separate honour traditions and sometimes provincial benefit programs.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures veteran status and preferences for military honours. The Life Discovery Kit can document the veteran's service record so the family knows immediately to contact Last Post Fund if applicable.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Last Post Fund — Last Post Fund
- [2]Veterans Affairs Canada — Funeral and Burial Program — Government of Canada
- [3]Beechwood Cemetery — National Military Cemetery — Beechwood Cemetery
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for veteran funeral benefits?
Canadian veterans with service in the Canadian Armed Forces, war veterans (WWII, Korea), and certain other categories. Eligibility for financial assistance typically requires limited estate (means test) OR service-related cause of death. Veterans Affairs Canada and the Last Post Fund determine specific eligibility based on the veteran's service record and financial circumstances.
What does the Last Post Fund cover?
Funeral home costs (professional services, casket or urn) up to a current maximum of $7,376 plus tax, with separate caps for the plot, cemetery charges, and cremation costs. Doesn't cover premium add-ons or services exceeding these limits.
How do families apply?
Typically through the funeral home, which submits the application to Last Post Fund. Applications must be submitted within one year of the veteran's death. Required documentation includes veteran's service record, death certificate, financial information for means test, funeral cost itemisation.
What is the National Military Cemetery?
Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa is home to the National Military Cemetery of Canada. Eligible veterans and their spouses may be interred there. Separate from regional military sections in some other cemeteries.
Do RCMP members qualify?
RCMP members are eligible for specific RCMP funeral benefits separate from VAC. Some overlap exists with veteran benefits for veterans who later served in RCMP. See our [RCMP funeral traditions article](/resources/funeral-planning/rcmp-funeral-traditions/).
What about military honours at the funeral?
Eligible veterans may receive military honours (flag-draped casket, honour guard, Last Post bugle call, three-volley salute, flag presentation to next of kin). Coordinated through the veteran's regiment or Royal Canadian Legion. See our [military funerals article](/resources/funeral-planning/military-funerals-canada/).