The Funeral and Burial Program provides financial assistance for a dignified funeral, burial or cremation and grave marking for eligible Veterans. The Last Post Fund is mandated to deliver the program on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada.
2 - What is the definition of “Veteran”?
Veterans Affairs Canada defines as Veteran any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and was honourably discharged.
3 - Am I eligible for assistance through the Funeral and Burial Program?
Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as those who served in the Merchant Marine or in the Allied Forces may be eligible for assistance. Eligibility is based on military service and financial need. As every case is unique, we recommend that you contact one of our counsellors to evaluate your specific situation: 1-800-465-7113 | info@lastpost.ca
4 - What expenses are covered under the Funeral and Burial Program?
Funeral and burial related expenses that are covered under the program may include: a casket or urn, burial or cremation costs, services of a funeral director, services of a chaplain, use of a hearse, purchase and installation of a military grave marker, obituary, etc.
5 - When should an application for funeral and burial assistance be made?
The application should be made at the time of death; the Last Post Fund does not offer “pre-arrangements”, although some guidance can be given in advance. When a death occurs, the Veteran’s family or estate should contact the Last Post Fund as soon as possible at 1-800-465-7113 or by email at info@lastpost.ca. Please note there is a one-year time limit to apply for funeral and burial benefits.
6 - What type of grave marker may be provided?
Depending on the type of marker allowed at the cemetery, an upright or flat grey granite military marker may be placed. Where necessary, markers of varying dimensions or materials may be ordered to comply with cemetery regulations. Contact the Last Post Fund for more information.
7 - Can Veterans’ spouses or other family members be buried with them in the Veterans' section of the cemetery?
This decision falls under the jurisdiction of each cemetery. The cemetery may be contacted directly for an answer to this question.
8 - Can a Canadian Veteran who passes away outside of Canada apply for assistance under the Funeral and Burial Program?
Benefits from the Funeral and Burial Program may be extended to both resident and non-resident Canadian Veterans who meet the financial and service-related criteria.
9 - Can Veterans who do not qualify for funeral and burial benefits still receive a grave marker?
The Last Post Fund has created an Unmarked Grave Program for Veterans whose grave has not had a permanent marker for five years or more.
10 - How can I participate in researching unmarked Veterans’ graves?
We are always looking for help in finding and identifying unmarked Veterans’ graves, so that we may commemorate them with a proper military marker. Please contact us at 1-800-465-7113 or by email at info@lastpost.ca to find out how to get started on your research project.
11 - What is the Indigenous Veterans Initiative?
Launched in 2019, this initiative of the Last Post Fund is consistent with the Canadian government’s efforts towards advancing reconciliation and renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
12 - What does the initiative consist of?
The initiative has two components:
Indigenous Unmarked Graves: To provide grave markers to Indigenous Veterans deceased for over 5 years and lying in unmarked graves.
Indigenous Traditional Name Marking: To add traditional names of Indigenous Veterans to existing military grave markers.
13 - What symbols are offered?
In addition to standard symbols, the Last Post Fund offers community symbols as well as the symbols below.
14 - How can I find out if a member of my family or my community is eligible?
If you think that a family member or a member of your community may qualify for this program please contact Maria Trujillo, Indigenous Program Coordinator at
1-800-465-7113 extension 222, email: mtrujillo@lastpost.ca.
15 - How do you identify eligible Veterans?
Both components of the initiative require research and community support from members of Indigenous communities throughout Canada. If you would like to contribute to the community research effort, please contact Maria Trujillo, Indigenous Program Coordinator at 1-800-465-7113 extension 222, email: mtrujillo@lastpost.ca.
