Introduction
For those who have served our nation in uniform, the United States government provides extensive burial and memorial benefits as a final tribute to their service. These benefits, administered primarily through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), help ensure that veterans receive dignified final resting places and that their families receive support during difficult times. Whether you’re a veteran planning ahead, a family member of a recently deceased veteran, or someone seeking information for future reference, understanding these benefits is crucial.
As of May 2025, the VA continues to enhance its burial and memorial programs, offering various options to honor those who served. This comprehensive guide covers everything from eligibility requirements and burial allowances to National Cemetery interment and the new digital processes that have streamlined applications.
Who Is Eligible for VA Burial Benefits?
Veterans Eligibility
To qualify for VA burial benefits, veterans must meet specific criteria:
- Veterans who received discharges other than dishonorable
- Service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
- Members of the Reserve components or Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who meet specific service requirements
- Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Public Health Service under certain conditions
- World War II Merchant Mariners with qualifying service
- Certain Philippine Armed Forces Veterans
- Hmong individuals with qualifying service during the Vietnam War era
It’s important to note that veterans with dishonorable discharges, those convicted of capital crimes or certain sex offenses, and those convicted of subversive activities (unless pardoned) are generally not eligible.
Family Member Eligibility
The following family members may also qualify for certain burial benefits:
- Spouses (including surviving spouses who remarried after the veteran’s death)
- Minor children of eligible veterans
- Unmarried adult dependent children of veterans in some cases
Former spouses whose marriage ended in divorce or annulment are not eligible unless they qualify based on their own military service.
National Cemetery Burial Benefits
One of the most significant benefits available is burial in a VA national cemetery. This benefit includes:
- Gravesite in any of the 155+ national cemeteries with available space
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- Government headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
There is no cost to the family for any of these items when burial takes place in a national cemetery. Many state veterans cemeteries offer similar benefits, though some may charge a nominal fee for certain services.
Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program
What Is Pre-Need Determination?
The Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program allows veterans and their eligible family members to confirm their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery before the time of need. This proactive approach helps reduce stress and uncertainty for families during their time of grief.
How to Apply
Veterans and eligible family members can apply for pre-need determination through several methods:
- Online: Through the VA’s secure website at VA.gov
- By Mail: Submit VA Form 40-10007 to the NCA Evidence Intake Center
- By Fax: Send the completed form to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office
Required information includes:
- Personal information (Social Security number, date of birth)
- Military service history
- Preferred VA national cemetery (though this cannot be guaranteed)
Supporting documents such as a DD214 or other separation papers can expedite the process, though the VA will attempt to locate necessary records if these aren’t readily available.
Benefits of Pre-Need Determination
- Provides peace of mind for veterans and their families
- Confirms eligibility before the time of need
- Simplifies the burial planning process
- Reduces paperwork and stress for family members during their time of grief
- Allows for more thoughtful decision-making about final arrangements
Once approved, the VA provides a Pre-Need Decision Letter that can be kept with other important documents. While this letter confirms eligibility, it doesn’t reserve a specific gravesite, as these cannot be reserved in advance.
Burial Allowances and Reimbursements
Service-Connected Death Burial Allowance
If a veteran’s death was related to a service-connected condition, the VA provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs:
- For deaths on or after September 11, 2001: Up to $2,000
- For deaths before September 11, 2001: Up to $1,500
Non-Service-Connected Death Burial Allowance
For veterans whose deaths were not service-connected, the VA offers different allowances based on specific criteria:
For deaths on or after October 1, 2024
- $978 burial allowance
- $978 plot allowance
For deaths on or after October 1, 2023, but before October 1, 2024
- $948 burial allowance
- $948 plot allowance
These amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. To qualify for non-service-connected burial allowances, the veteran must have been receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, or have been eligible for these benefits but chose to receive military retirement or disability pay instead.
Hospitalization Death Burial Allowance
If a veteran dies while hospitalized or in a VA-contracted facility, the following allowances apply as of October 1, 2024:
- $978 burial allowance
- $978 plot allowance
The VA may also reimburse transportation costs in these cases.
Transportation Reimbursement
The VA may reimburse transportation costs for the remains of a veteran who:
- Died in a VA medical center or VA-contracted nursing home
- Died while traveling to VA-authorized care
- Is buried in a national cemetery
Memorial Items
Headstones and Markers
The VA provides headstones or markers for the unmarked graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, military post, or state veterans cemeteries.
- Types Available: Upright marble or granite headstones, flat markers in granite, marble, or bronze, and bronze niche markers for cremated remains
- Cost: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, but if placed in a private cemetery, the cost of setting it must be paid by the applicant
Veterans whose deaths occurred on or after November 1, 1990, and whose graves are marked with privately purchased headstones, may also receive a government headstone or marker, or a medallion to attach to the privately purchased headstone.
Medallions
For veterans who died on or after April 6, 1917, and whose graves are marked with privately purchased headstones, the VA offers bronze medallions to be affixed to the headstone, indicating their veteran status.
Available sizes:
- Large: 5 inches
- Medium: 3 inches
- Small: 1½ inches
Burial Flags
The VA provides a United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably. After the funeral service, the flag may be given to the next of kin or close friend or associate of the deceased.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of veterans who served honorably in the Armed Forces. Multiple certificates may be requested for various family members.
Digital Upload Portal: Modernizing Memorial Benefits
The New Digital Process
In recent years, the VA has implemented digital tools to streamline the application process for memorial benefits. The digital upload portal allows applicants to submit documentation online, significantly reducing processing times and paperwork.
Key Features and Benefits
- Digital Document Submission: Upload military discharge papers, death certificates, and other required documentation securely
- Status Tracking: Monitor the progress of applications in real-time
- Reduced Processing Time: Digital submissions are typically processed faster than paper applications
- Secure Communication: Receive updates and requests for additional information electronically
Success Metrics
Since its implementation, the digital portal has shown impressive results:
- Processing Efficiency: 70% reduction in processing time for headstone and marker applications
- User Satisfaction: 85% of users report a positive experience with the digital system
- Error Reduction: 60% decrease in application errors due to guided digital forms
- Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in paper usage, supporting VA sustainability goals
How to Apply for Burial and Memorial Benefits
For Burial in a National Cemetery
When planning a burial in a VA national cemetery:
- Determine eligibility: Confirm that the deceased qualifies for burial benefits
- Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: Call 800-535-1117
- Provide required information: The veteran’s full name, military discharge papers, death certificate, and other necessary documentation
- Select a national cemetery: Choose from available locations with space
- Schedule the burial: Work with the cemetery staff to arrange the date and time
For Burial Allowances
To apply for burial allowances:
- Online: Submit Form 21P-530EZ through VA.gov
- By Mail: Send the completed form and supporting documents to: Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Required documentation typically includes:
- The veteran’s discharge papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Death certificate
- Receipts for burial expenses
- For service-connected deaths, medical evidence may be required
For Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
To request a headstone, marker, or medallion:
- Complete VA Form 40-1330 (for headstones or markers) or VA Form 40-1330M (for medallions)
- Submit the form through the VA’s digital portal, by mail, or by fax
- For national cemetery burials, cemetery staff will order the headstone or marker
Planning Ahead: Steps Veterans Should Take Now
Document Organization
Veterans should keep these important documents in an easily accessible location and inform family members of their whereabouts:
- DD214 or other separation papers
- VA claim numbers or other benefit information
- Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility letter (if obtained)
- Written burial preferences
Discuss Preferences with Family
Veterans should have conversations with family members about their preferences, including:
- Preferred national cemetery (if applicable)
- Burial versus cremation preferences
- Type of headstone or marker desired
- Special emblems or inscriptions for headstones
Consider Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
Applying for a Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility can provide peace of mind and make the process easier for family members. It confirms eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery before the time of need.
Special Circumstances and Considerations
Burial at Sea
Veterans may choose burial at sea through the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard. This service is performed during deployment and is therefore dependent on operational commitments. Families of veterans can request this service through the Navy or Coast Guard.
Military Funeral Honors
Military funeral honors are available for eligible veterans and include:
- Folding and presenting the United States burial flag to the veteran’s family
- Playing of Taps
- A ceremonial firing party of three rifles (in some cases)
To arrange military funeral honors, contact the appropriate military service branch or ask your funeral director for assistance.
Private Cemetery Burials
Veterans buried in private cemeteries may still receive certain benefits:
- Government headstone or marker (or medallion for marked graves)
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Burial allowance (if eligible)
Resources for Additional Assistance
VA Contact Information
- National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117
- Headstone and Marker Status: 800-697-6947
- VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000
- MyVA411 Main Information Line: 800-698-2411
Online Resources
- Official VA Burial and Memorial Benefits Website: VA.gov/burials-memorials
- National Cemetery Administration: cem.va.gov
- VA Forms: VA.gov/find-forms
Veterans Service Organizations
Many Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide assistance with applying for burial benefits and can serve as advocates during the application process. These include:
- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Conclusion
Veteran burial and memorial benefits represent our nation’s commitment to honoring those who served in the Armed Forces. By understanding eligibility requirements, available benefits, and application procedures, veterans and their families can ensure they receive the honors and support they’ve earned through their service.
Planning ahead by organizing important documents, discussing preferences with family members, and applying for pre-need eligibility determination can significantly reduce stress and uncertainty during an already difficult time. The VA continues to enhance its programs and digital services to better serve veterans and their families, ensuring that the final tribute to their service is dignified and meaningful.
For the most current information about veteran burial and memorial benefits, visit VA.gov or contact the appropriate VA office. These benefits are not just administrative processes—they are our nation’s way of saying “thank you” to those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.
