The Last Post Fund: Funeral and Burial Assistance for Canadian Veterans

Every veteran who served Canada deserves a dignified farewell — regardless of their financial circumstances at the time of death. The Last Post Fund, a non-profit organisation that has served Canadian veterans since 1909, administers the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program to ensure that eligible veterans receive the funeral and burial services they've earned through their service.

If you've lost a family member who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, this program may help cover a significant portion of the funeral costs.

What the Program Covers

The Funeral and Burial Program provides financial assistance toward funeral and burial expenses for eligible veterans. Benefits are calculated according to the Veterans Burial Regulations, and the current maximum amounts are substantial.

Funeral home costs. The program covers professional funeral services, a casket or urn, and related funeral home charges up to a current maximum of $7,376 plus applicable tax.

Cemetery and burial costs. Over and above the funeral home maximum, the program may also cover the cost of a burial plot, cemetery opening and closing fees, the cost of cremation, and other related charges — each subject to their own maximums.

Transportation of remains. Where necessary, the program may cover the cost of transporting the veteran's remains to the place of burial.

Grave marker. Through the Department of National Defence Marker Program, a military grave marker may also be provided at no cost.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility is based on two criteria: military service and financial need.

Service Criteria

A veteran is defined as any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully completed basic training and was honourably discharged. The program also extends to:

• Canadian Merchant Navy veterans of the Second World War or the Korean War

• Allied veterans who served with the Allied Forces during the Second World War or the Korean War

Financial Criteria

Once the service requirement is met, eligibility is determined through either a financial means test or on a "matter of right" basis.

Financial means test. The Last Post Fund assesses whether the veteran's estate has sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. If the estate cannot cover the expenses, the program may provide assistance.

Matter of right. If Veterans Affairs Canada has determined that the cause of death was related to the veteran's military service — meaning a condition for which VAC provided a disability benefit — assistance is provided as a matter of right, without a financial means test.

How the Program Works

The program can operate in two ways, depending on the timing:

The Last Post Fund arranges the funeral. If the Last Post Fund is contacted before firm arrangements are made with a funeral home, they can contract directly with the funeral provider on the family's behalf, within the maximum amounts set out in the regulations. This is often the simplest path.

The family arranges the funeral and applies for reimbursement. If the family has already made arrangements — or prefers to manage them directly — an application for partial or full reimbursement can be submitted within one year of the death. Reimbursement is subject to the regulated maximums.

How to Apply

You can apply to the Last Post Fund in several ways:

• Online: Submit an application through the Last Post Fund website

• Phone: Call toll-free at 1-800-465-7113 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm EST)

When contacting the Last Post Fund, it helps to have the veteran's military service record and financial information available. A Last Post Fund counsellor will conduct a brief interview with the next of kin, executor, or other responsible person to establish eligibility.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Contact the Last Post Fund early. If possible, reach out before finalising arrangements with a funeral home. This allows the Last Post Fund to arrange services directly and ensures that everything falls within the program's guidelines and maximums.

The CPP Death Benefit may also apply. Most veterans' estates are also eligible for the Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit (currently a one-time payment of $2,500). Your funeral director or the executor of the estate can help with that application as well.

The program is administered nationally. The Last Post Fund has regional offices across Canada and can assist veterans' families in every province and territory.

How Your Funeral Director Can Help

At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we have experience working with the Last Post Fund and with families of veterans. We can help coordinate the funeral arrangements within the program's guidelines, prepare the required documentation, and ensure the process goes smoothly — so your family can focus on honouring your loved one's life and service.

If you've lost a veteran family member and aren't sure whether they qualify, we're happy to help you explore your options.