Overview
The VA provides burial and memorial benefits to honor veterans' service. These benefits are available to most veterans, including those without service-connected disabilities. Understanding what's available helps families during a difficult time.
National Cemetery Burial
Eligibility
Burial in a VA national cemetery is available to:
- Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions
- Service members who die on active duty
- Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans (even if spouse is not a veteran)
- Some Reserve and National Guard members (with qualifying service)
What's Provided at No Cost
For eligible veterans buried in a VA national cemetery:
- Gravesite — in any national cemetery with available space
- Opening and closing of the grave — including the vault/liner
- Government headstone or marker — granite, marble, bronze, or niche cover
- Perpetual care — the VA maintains the gravesite forever
- US burial flag — draped on the casket and presented to the next of kin
- Presidential Memorial Certificate — signed by the current President
How to Arrange
- Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (available 24/7)
- Provide the veteran's DD-214, death certificate, and other documentation
- Choose a national cemetery
- Coordinate with your funeral home — they typically handle VA coordination
Note: Not all national cemeteries have space available for new burials. Arlington National Cemetery has its own eligibility criteria separate from the VA system.
Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
Government-Furnished Headstones
The VA provides headstones/markers for:
- Veterans buried in any cemetery (national, state, private, or tribal)
- At no cost if the veteran doesn't already have a suitable headstone
Options include:
- Flat granite, marble, or bronze markers
- Upright granite or marble headstones
- Bronze niche covers (for cremated remains)
Inscription
Standard inscriptions include:
- Legal name
- Branch of service
- War/conflict service
- Dates of birth and death
- Optional: religious emblem, term of service, awards (e.g., Purple Heart, Medal of Honor)
How to Apply
Submit VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) to the VA's Memorial Programs Service. The headstone can be shipped to the cemetery or delivered to the family.
Medallion for Private Headstones
If the veteran already has a privately purchased headstone, the VA can provide a bronze medallion to affix to it, signifying veteran status.
Burial Flags
Eligibility
A burial flag is available for:
- Veterans who served during wartime or after January 31, 1955
- Veterans entitled to retirement pay from reserve service
- Members who died while on active duty or in the Reserves
How to Obtain
- Available at any VA regional office, VA national cemetery, or most post offices
- Complete VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes)
- No cost to the family
After the funeral, the flag is typically presented to the next of kin. There is no official replacement if the flag is lost or damaged.
Burial Allowances
The VA provides financial assistance toward burial costs:
Service-Connected Death
If the veteran died from a service-connected condition:
- Burial and funeral allowance — up to $2,000 (in addition to transportation costs)
- Transportation — VA pays the cost of transporting the remains to the national cemetery nearest the veteran's home
Non-Service-Connected Death (VA Health Care)
If the veteran was receiving VA care or had a pending claim:
- Burial allowance — up to approximately $948
- Plot allowance — up to approximately $948 (if not buried in a national cemetery)
- Transportation — VA may pay the cost of transporting remains
Non-Service-Connected Death (General)
For other eligible veterans:
- Burial allowance — up to approximately $380
- Plot allowance — up to approximately $948
- These amounts are adjusted periodically
How to Apply
Submit VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits). Can be filed by the person who paid for the burial.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A certificate signed by the current President, honoring the veteran's service. Available to family members and loved ones of honorably discharged veterans.
- No limit on the number of certificates per veteran — multiple family members can each request one
- Submit VA Form 40-0247 or request online
State Veterans Cemeteries
In addition to national cemeteries, most states operate their own veterans cemeteries with similar benefits:
- Free or reduced-cost burial for veterans
- Government headstones
- Often have more availability than national cemeteries
- Some have additional eligibility for National Guard and Reserve members
- Check your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for locations and eligibility
Pre-Planning
Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
You can apply in advance to verify burial eligibility:
- Submit VA Form 40-10007 (Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery)
- A pre-need determination helps your family during a difficult time by confirming eligibility in advance
- This does not reserve a specific gravesite
Important Records to Have Ready
Keep these accessible for your family:
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- VA disability rating letter (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse eligibility)
- Life insurance policy information
- Burial wishes (cremation vs. casket, cemetery preference)
Dignity and Honor
These benefits exist to ensure that every veteran receives a dignified burial that honors their service. If you're a veteran or a veteran's family member, these benefits are part of the nation's commitment to those who served. There's nothing to apply for that you haven't already earned.