Under the program there are two gateways for eligibility. One is called “matter of right”. If a veteran dies from a service-related disability, his or her family automatically qualifies for benefits under the funeral and burial program. The other gateway relates to a means-tested eligibility. If a Canadian Forces veteran dies without sufficient means to assure a respectful funeral and burial, their families can access these benefits.
Prior to the budget, under the means-testing mechanism, if the veteran died leaving assets worth more than $12,000, the family didn't qualify. A house was excluded from that calculation and I believe a motor vehicle. Now, because it has been elevated to $35,000, there will be many more veterans' families who will be able to apply for benefits under the program.