The Process
How Taps2 Works
A clear, dignified process — begin online, complete arrangements with professional support from a licensed funeral professional.
Start Veteran VerificationTaps2 was created to make the process of arranging dignified, affordable cremation for a qualifying veteran as straightforward as possible. The process begins with a simple online verification and is supported at every step by experienced, licensed funeral professionals.
Submit Proof of Service
Complete a brief online intake form and provide documentation establishing qualifying military service. A DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the most common accepted document, but other forms of service documentation may also qualify.
There is no cost to submit documentation. The intake process is designed to be straightforward and respectful of the family's time. No military records or sensitive documents are uploaded during this initial step.
Eligibility Review
Taps2 reviews the submitted information to assess qualifying service. A staff member will contact you to discuss eligibility and next steps. Eligibility decisions require human review and are not automated.
Program pricing is not published publicly. It is shared directly with qualifying families by a licensed funeral professional during the arrangement process.
Discuss Program Pricing
Qualifying families receive program pricing information directly from a licensed funeral professional. The pricing reflects Taps2's private commitment to honoring those who served — it is not a government benefit and is not funded by any government program.
Families are under no obligation to proceed. There is no pressure and no deadline.
Complete Arrangements With Professional Support
When a family is ready to proceed, arrangements are completed with the support of a licensed funeral professional. Taps2 works with Savage Funeral Service (Pennsylvania) and Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service (New York) — experienced, licensed funeral establishments with deep knowledge of veteran benefits and military funeral honors.
The licensed funeral professional will assist the family in understanding and accessing applicable government veteran benefits — including military funeral honors, burial flags, VA burial allowances, and national cemetery options — which are separate from Taps2's private program.
An Important Distinction
Taps2's specially priced veteran cremation program is a private expression of appreciation — not a Department of Veterans Affairs benefit, not funded by the federal government, and not a military entitlement. Government veteran burial benefits are administered separately by the appropriate agencies. Taps2 can help families understand and access those government benefits, but they are distinct from Taps2's private pricing program.
Common Questions
What documentation is required?
A DD-214 is the most commonly used document. Other forms of service documentation may also qualify. The intake form will guide you through acceptable documentation types.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. There is no cost to submit documentation or to receive eligibility review. Costs are associated only with actual funeral arrangements, which families choose to proceed with at their own discretion.
What if the veteran has already passed?
Families may begin the verification process on behalf of a qualifying veteran who has already passed. The process is the same — documentation of the veteran's qualifying service is required.
What areas does Taps2 currently serve?
Taps2 currently serves families in New York (through Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service) and Pennsylvania (through Savage Funeral Service). The Veteran Benefits Center is available as an educational resource to families regardless of location.
Ready to Begin?
Verification takes just a few minutes. There is no cost to apply, and no obligation until you choose to proceed with arrangements.