Introducing the Last Post Fund

The Last Post Fund is a national, non-profit organization founded in 1909 to help make sure that veterans who had little money and few assets received a dignified funeral and burial. Today, with the help and financial support of Veterans Affairs Canada, the Last Post Fund Corporation provides qualified veterans and disability pensioners with funeral, burial, cremation and grave marking benefits. In 2003, the Last Post Fund approved more than 2,600 grants, totalling $11 million.

Last Post Fund's Grieving Soldier stained glass at the top of the Gate of Remembrance.

Q.  Who qualifies for Last Post Fund benefits?
A.  If you receive a disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada and you die from your pensioned condition, you will automatically qualify for a grant to help with funeral and burial costs, including grave marking assistance. This is called a "matter of right." You also may qualify for a Last Post Fund grant providing your estate has limited financial means and you are:

• a veteran or eligible civilian who served during the First World War, the Second World War or the Korean War; or
• a Canadian Forces veteran who served during peacetime and you receive a disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada.

This type of application is "means-tested" to find out the net worth of your estate at the time of your death. Assistance may be approved if the value of your estate is within the dollar limits outlined in the Veterans Burial Regulations.

Q.  I know a veteran who was a disability pensioner. How do I prove he died from his pensioned condition?
A.  You will need to provide our Department with medical information from the veteran's family doctor, or the attending doctor, which states the cause of death. This might include a Hospital Summary of Death or a death certificate.

Q.  Where do I get a Last Post Fund application form?
A.  You can get an application from any provincial branch of the Last Post Fund or through the Last Post Fund's Web site at www.lastpostfund.ca (Opens a new window)

Q.  When can I apply for a grant through the Last Post Fund?
A.  The Last Post Fund can only process an application after a veteran passes away. Your application must be received by the Last Post Fund within one year of the date that the veteran passes away.

Q.  The application calls for proof of a veteran's military service. What if I can't find it?
A.  If you cannot find the veteran's service records, the Last Post Fund can apply to the National Archives of Canada on your behalf.

Q.  Who qualifies for grave markers?
A.  Veterans and disability pensioners who qualify for funeral and burial assistance automatically qualify for grave marker assistance. The Last Post Fund also has a special grave marking program for veterans' graves that have not had a permanent headstone or footmarker for five years or more. This special program is funded through public donations, as well as a contribution of up to $100,000 a year by our Department.