Burial and Memorial Benefits for Veterans

It is a common misconception that all veterans will have their funerary and burial arrangements financially and logistically covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Because of this, it’s a good idea for veterans and their loved ones to investigate what burial and memorial benefits exist and are applicable to the veteran before they are needed.

What are some burial benefits for veterans?

Some veterans may be eligible to be buried in one of 157 VA national cemeteries, provided there is available space, through the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Eligible veterans may receive this benefit at no cost. Keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with a burial, including a funeral, funeral home services, and transportation expenses. The VA burial benefit includes:

• A gravesite
• Opening and closing of the grave
• A government-furnished grave liner
• A government-furnished upright headstone, flat marker, or niche cover
• A burial flag
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate
• Perpetual care of the grave

Military funeral honors are provided by the veteran’s service. Survivors should work with a funeral director to arrange for any of the above benefits.

Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. Green burials are also available.

The U.S. Navy offers a Burial at Sea option. Check out this site for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

Veterans burial allowances, also called “veterans death benefits,” may be available as well. Depending on the date and the service-connected circumstances of the veteran’s death, survivors may be reimbursed for a portion of the burial cost.

Currently, the maximum burial allowance for a service-connected death is $2,000. Non-service-connected death allowances are $978 for the burial and $978 for a plot for a veteran who is buried in a private cemetery.

Family members should note that the cost of funeral services, cremation services, and many other funeral or burial expenses beyond the veteran burial benefits listed above are not provided for by the NCA or reimbursed by the VA.

Who is eligible for veterans burial and memorial benefits?

VA National Cemetery Burial

There are specific eligibility requirements for burial in any of the specific VA national cemeteries. In general, servicemembers, veterans, spouses, and even some dependents may be eligible if they are one of the following:

• A servicemember who died while on active duty
• A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
• A spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran
• A dependent child of an eligible veteran

The NCA handles requests for VA national cemetery burials. You may also work with a funeral director to apply and arrange for this benefit.

Note that Arlington National Cemetery is not a VA national cemetery and is maintained by the U.S. Army. Check the Arlington National Cemetery website for burial eligibility information. In addition to national veteran cemeteries, state veteran cemeteries may be available that could have different burial requirements than the federal cemeteries.

Veterans Burial Allowance

You may be eligible for veterans burial allowances, including an allowance for the transportation of the remains to a national cemetery, if you are not being reimbursed by another government agency or any other organization for the burial. The veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge and must meet one of the following requirements:

• Died as a result of a service-connected disability
• Died while getting care at a VA facility or a VA-contracted facility
• Died while traveling to or from an examination or treatment facility, with authorization from the VA and at the VA’s expense
• Died while having a VA claim pending that would have entitled them to benefits before the time of death
• Died while receiving a VA pension or compensation
• Died while eligible for compensation for a VA pension at the time of death, but instead received full military retirement or disability pay

Survivors applying for this reimbursement must be related to the veteran as one of the following:

• Surviving spouse
• Surviving partner from a legal union
• Surviving child
• Parent
• Executor of estate
• Another family member or friend who is not the executor of estate
• A representative from a funeral home, cemetery, or other organization

There may be a two year time limit for filing for these benefits. Check the VA website for information specific to your circumstances and to apply for these benefits.

Memorial Headstones, Markers, Medallions, Plaques, and Urns

This service is for eligible veterans whose remains haven’t been recovered or identified, or were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered.

It’s important to note that applying for a plaque or urn will make the veteran ineligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and will exclude survivors from applying for a government headstone, marker or medallion.

Survivors may check the VA website for specific information and to apply.

Can I apply for burial benefits in advance?

A veteran may apply for a pre-need determination of eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This does not guarantee a specific burial spot, but will establish the veteran’s eligibility to be buried in a VA cemetery if space is available.

An applying veteran is required to provide certain personal information, including their Social Security number and date of birth, military history information, and the preferred VA national cemetery.

Pre-need eligibility can be applied for on the VA website.

While the VA may not pay for all veteran funerary expenses, some funds may be available if the veteran meets eligibility requirements. Check the VA.gov website for more information or contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for assistance with these benefits.

Navy Mutual is the oldest federally recognized VSO. As a VSO, we assist veterans and their beneficiaries in navigating the sometimes-complicated details around burial and memorial benefits for veterans.