Life insurance options for Ohio veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in Ohio
VA national cemeteries
- Dayton National Cemetery — Dayton
- Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery — Seville
State veterans cemeteries
- Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery — Sandusky
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration — Cemeteries in Ohio
Ohio state benefits for veterans
When a veteran, or a veteran's parent, spouse, or surviving spouse, dies without the means to pay for a funeral or cremation, the county veterans service commission must, on application, contract with the family's chosen funeral director for a decent burial or cremation. Source: Ohio Revised Code 5901.25
Veterans with a total (100%) service-connected disability rating, or paid at the total rate for individual unemployability, get an enhanced homestead reduction on their home's property taxes, figured on $50,000 of the home's value and adjusted yearly for inflation, with no income limit; some surviving spouses also qualify. Apply through the county auditor. Source: Ohio Revised Code 323.152
For help applying, contact the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Ohio.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in Ohio?
Ohio has 2 VA national cemeteries and 1 state veterans cemetery, including Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Ohio Department of Veterans Services can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan Ohio veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in Ohio?
Veterans with a total (100%) service-connected disability rating, or paid at the total rate for individual unemployability, get an enhanced homestead reduction on their home's property taxes, figured on $50,000 of the home's value and adjusted yearly for inflation, with no income limit; some surviving spouses also qualify. Apply through the county auditor.
Check veteran optionsDoes Ohio pay a burial benefit for veterans?
When a veteran, or a veteran's parent, spouse, or surviving spouse, dies without the means to pay for a funeral or cremation, the county veterans service commission must, on application, contract with the family's chosen funeral director for a decent burial or cremation.
Check veteran options