Burial & Memorial Benefits
Honoring those who served. The VA provides meaningful burial and memorial benefits to recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. These benefits are available at no cost to eligible veterans and their families.
National Cemetery Burial
The VA's National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries across the United States and Puerto Rico. Burial in a VA national cemetery is available to eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children at no cost to the family.
Eligibility
- ✓Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- ✓Service members who die on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
- ✓Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans, even if the veteran is not buried there
- ✓Certain Reserve and National Guard members with 20 or more years of qualifying service
What's Provided at No Cost
- ●Gravesite in a national cemetery with perpetual care
- ●Government headstone or marker with name, branch of service, dates, and approved emblem of belief
- ●Opening and closing of the grave including all labor and equipment
- ●Burial liner (graveliner or vault for in-ground casket burials)
- ●Perpetual care of the gravesite, including grounds maintenance
How to Apply
- 1At time of need, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM ET.
- 2Provide documentation: the veteran's DD-214 or other discharge documents, death certificate, and any pre-need eligibility determination letter if applicable.
- 3Most funeral homes will coordinate directly with the VA on behalf of the family. Let them know the veteran's wishes for a national cemetery burial.
Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
Veterans and eligible family members can apply in advance to determine their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. Submit VA Form 40-10007 online, by mail, or in person. This is strongly recommended as it simplifies arrangements during an already difficult time.
Headstones, Markers & Medallions
The VA provides headstones, markers, and medallions to commemorate eligible veterans, whether buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery.
Types Available
- ●Upright headstones — marble or granite, available in multiple styles
- ●Flat markers — bronze, granite, or marble for ground-level placement
- ●Niche covers — bronze for columbarium placement of cremated remains
- ●Medallions — bronze medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone to signify veteran status
How to Request
Submit VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) by mail, fax, or through your funeral home. Include a copy of the veteran's DD-214 or other proof of military service.
Private Cemetery Markers
If a veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA will provide a government headstone or marker free of charge. However, the family is responsible for the cost of setting the headstone or marker in the private cemetery. For veterans who already have a privately purchased headstone, a bronze medallion is available as an alternative.
Presidential Memorial Certificates
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President of the United States. It honors the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans and serves as a lasting expression of the nation's gratitude for their service.
- ✓Available to the next of kin and loved ones of deceased veterans with an honorable discharge
- ✓Multiple copies can be requested — there is no limit on the number issued per veteran
- ✓Provided at no cost to the family
How to Request
Apply online at VA.gov, by mail, or by fax. You will need a copy of the veteran's DD-214 or other discharge documentation and the veteran's death certificate. Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.
Burial Flags
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably. After the service, the flag is presented to the next of kin as a keepsake.
Eligibility
- ✓Veterans who served during wartime or after January 31, 1955
- ✓Veterans who were entitled to retired pay or would have been entitled but for age
- ✓Members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial obligation or were discharged for a disability incurred in the line of duty
How to Request
Complete VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes) and submit it to any VA regional office, VA national cemetery, or most local post offices. The funeral home can often assist with this process.
Burial Allowance
The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. The amount depends on the circumstances of the veteran's death.
Service-Connected Death
$2,000+
If the veteran's death is service-connected, the VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all costs for transporting the remains may also be reimbursed.
Non-Service-Connected Death
$948
For non-service-connected deaths, the VA provides an allowance of up to $948 for burial and funeral costs and up to $948 for a plot if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery. The veteran must have been receiving VA pension or disability compensation.
Unclaimed Remains
If a veteran's remains are unclaimed, the VA will pay the allowance to the person or entity that covered the burial expenses. Contact your local VA regional office or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.
Veterans Cemetery Locations
The National Cemetery Administration operates 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Many are steeped in history, with some dating back to the Civil War. Each one serves as a lasting tribute to those who served.
- ✓Search by state, zip code, or the veteran's desired location
- ✓Not all cemeteries have space for new burials — the locator will show availability
- ✓Arlington National Cemetery is managed by the U.S. Army and has its own eligibility criteria
Pre-Planning Guide
Planning ahead can ease the burden on family members during a difficult time. Taking these steps now ensures your wishes are known and that your family has the documents they need.
Steps Families Can Take Now
- 1Apply for pre-need eligibility. Submit VA Form 40-10007 to receive an eligibility determination letter. This confirms the veteran's right to burial in a national cemetery before the need arises.
- 2Locate and secure discharge documents. The DD-214 is the single most important document for accessing VA burial benefits. Store it in a fireproof safe or register it with your county recorder. If lost, request a replacement through the National Archives.
- 3Discuss wishes with family. Communicate preferences for burial vs. cremation, desired cemetery location, religious or spiritual preferences for the headstone emblem, and any other personal wishes.
- 4Designate a point of contact. Ensure at least one family member knows where documents are stored, which cemetery has been selected, and whom to call when the time comes.
Documents to Gather
- ✓DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- ✓Pre-need eligibility determination letter (if obtained)
- ✓VA disability rating decision letter
- ✓Marriage certificate (if spouse will be co-interred)
- ✓Birth certificates of dependent children (if applicable)
Pre-Need vs. Time-of-Need
Pre-need means applying in advance while the veteran is still living. The VA will verify eligibility and issue a determination letter. This does not reserve a specific gravesite, but it significantly speeds up the process at time-of-need, when the family contacts the VA after the veteran has passed. Pre-need applications can be submitted by the veteran, their spouse, or an authorized representative.
State Veterans Cemeteries
In addition to VA national cemeteries, many states operate their own veterans cemeteries. These state-run facilities often provide the same benefits as national cemeteries and may be more conveniently located for families.
- ✓Over 120 state veterans cemeteries operate across the country
- ✓Eligibility requirements may vary by state — some have residency requirements
- ✓Benefits typically include a gravesite, headstone or marker, opening and closing, and perpetual care
- ✓The VA provides grants to states through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program to establish and maintain these cemeteries