DAFPAM34-162 governs mortuary services entitlements for retired Department of the Air Force members, including transportation and funeral honors.
View DAFPAM34-162 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers eligibility, authorized transportation expenses, overseas benefits, military funeral honors, entitlement requests, and future planning. It includes a mortuary planning sheet and describes documents, contacts, and payment responsibilities.
Applies to: This publication applies to military members of the Regular Air Force, United States Space Force (USSF), Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Retired Reserve.
“Properly admitted” means you are placed under treatment or observation and you are provided room, board, and continuous nursing service in the area of the hospital where patients stay at least overnight. (paragraph 2)
If you die in the emergency room without being properly admitted, no eligibility exists. (paragraph 2)
If the permanent residence is located where the death occurs, only local transportation expenses are authorized (e.g., transportation from the hospital, medical examiner or coroner’s office to the funeral home) to a funeral service and on to a cemetery or crematory. (paragraph 2)
For deaths occurring outside the continental United States (OCONUS), there are additional benefits that are not authorized for continental United States (CONUS) deaths. (paragraph 2)
Your PNOK or funeral director requests such honors by contacting the Honor Guard office at the nearest active USAF or USSF base at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled time/date of burial. (paragraph 2)