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Military Funeral Honors Stipend

This page has information on the Military Funeral Honors Stipend.

Military Funeral Honors Stipend

A local unit of a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or its auxiliary is eligible under Colorado Statute 28-5-507 to receive a $75 stipend for providing an honor guard detail at the funeral of an eligible honorably deceased veteran. Second, third, and fourth honors services performed on the same day can also receive up to an additional stipend of $25 each for expenses incurred for mileage, transportation costs, and meals, not to exceed $75 in total. If the local unit provides a student to play “Taps,” the local unit may pay some or all the stipend to the student. Stipends will be paid based upon availability of funds. To be eligible to receive the reimbursement:

  • The VSO must first provide a copy of their congressional charter to the Stipend Program manager at honorguardstipend@dmva.state.co.us to determine organizational eligibility.
  • The VSO must then register as a state supplier and receive a vendor ID number. Once acquired, provide the vendor ID number to the Stipend Program manager to complete registration in the program. 
  • If you have any question about vendor registration, please contact the Vendor Self Service (VSS) helpline at (303) 866-6464
  • The veterans DD-214 must show that the veteran was honorably discharged (Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions). Veterans being interned at a national or state cemetery must also meet the burial and memorial benefit guidelines set forth in the Federal Benefits Pamphlet 80-19-01(pages 63-69). Veteran eligibility must be verified by DD-214 by the VSO. If you need help to verify service, contact your County Veterans Service Officer. DO NOT attach DD-214's to your request.
  • The VSO is responsible for getting all original signatures and submitting the Military Funeral Honors Stipend Request. Incomplete requests will cause delays in processing.
  • The Department will allocate stipend funds to the VSO for providing up to four honors services on any given day. A flat rate of $75 will be applied to the first honors service provided. Stipend requests for expenses incurred for second, third, and fourth honors services performed on the same day will be paid a maximum of $25 each, or the actual value of expenses incurred for mileage, transportation costs, and meals; whichever the lesser value. Receipts for expenses incurred for each additional service must be submitted along with the request to be eligible for consideration (Copies will suffice).
  • The VSO is required to submit a Military Funeral Honors Stipend Request, which will verify that the veterans group, post or chapter has performed honors on a given date. Requests must be submitted within 15 days of honors performed. Forms can be mailed, e-mailed to or faxed:
  • The VSO must perform honors in accordance with the National Defense Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-65.) Military funeral honors detail shall, at a minimum, perform at the funeral a ceremony that includes the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and play “Taps,” either by a high-quality recording or by a bugler. The law defines a military funeral honors detail as two or more former or active uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's branch of military service. Additional honors such as a firing (rifle) detail may be provided if resources are available.

How to Apply

Please submit a completed Military Funeral Honors Stipend Request, and any additional required documents, to honorguardstipend@dmva.state.co.us.

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