The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a range of burial and memorial benefits to honor the service and sacrifice of America's veterans. Yet many families of veterans are unaware of the full scope of benefits available — or they learn about them too late to take advantage. From burial in national cemeteries at no cost to the family, to headstone allowances, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates, these benefits can significantly offset funeral costs and provide a meaningful tribute. This guide covers everything families need to know about claiming VA funeral benefits.
Who Is Eligible for VA Burial Benefits?
Eligibility for VA burial benefits extends broadly to veterans who meet any of the following criteria:
- Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Members of the National Guard or Reserves who were called to active duty and completed the full period of service.
- Members of the National Guard or Reserves who died while on active duty for training or inactive duty training.
- The spouse or dependent child of an eligible veteran (for burial in a national cemetery alongside the veteran).
Importantly, eligibility is not affected by the veteran's cause of death. Both service-related and non-service-related deaths qualify, though the amount of the burial allowance differs significantly (see below).
How to verify eligibility: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA eligibility page. You will need the veteran's DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
National Cemetery Burial: What's Included at No Cost
Burial in a VA national cemetery is available to all eligible veterans at no cost to the family. There are over 155 national cemeteries across the country. The following are provided free of charge:
- Gravesite: A burial plot in a national cemetery (no purchase required).
- Grave Opening and Closing: The cemetery handles excavation and backfilling at no charge.
- Perpetual Care: Ongoing maintenance of the gravesite is covered indefinitely.
- Government Headstone or Marker: A standard government headstone (flat granite or upright marble) is provided and installed at no cost. Families may also opt for a niche marker for cremated remains.
- Burial Flag: A U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn is provided to the next of kin.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate signed by the current President honoring the veteran's service.
What is NOT covered: The VA does not provide a casket, embalming, transportation, or funeral home services. These costs remain the family's responsibility. However, the VA does offer burial allowances (see next section) to help offset these expenses.
VA Burial Allowances: The Dollar Amounts
The VA provides monetary allowances to help cover funeral and burial costs. The amounts depend on the cause of death:
Service-Related Death:
- Burial Allowance: Up to $2,000 (for deaths on or after September 11, 2001)
- If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the cost of transporting the remains to the cemetery may also be reimbursed.
Non-Service-Related Death:
- Burial Allowance: Up to $948 (current rate, adjusted annually)
- Plot Allowance: Up to $948 if the veteran is NOT buried in a national cemetery (to help cover the cost of a private cemetery plot)
If the veteran died while receiving VA care or while in a VA facility:
- The VA may pay up to $948 for burial and funeral expenses, plus the cost of transporting the remains.
How to apply: File VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits) online at va.gov, by mail, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). You will need the veteran's DD-214, a certified death certificate, and receipts for funeral expenses. Most claims are processed within 60–90 days.
Military Funeral Honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at their burial. The minimum honors provided include:
- Flag Folding and Presentation: At least two uniformed service members will fold the burial flag and present it to the next of kin with the phrase: 'On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [branch of service], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.'
- Playing of Taps: Either performed live by a bugler or played via a high-quality recording using a ceremonial Taps bugle device.
Full Military Honors (for higher-ranking service members):
- Firing party (three volleys from a rifle squad)
- Color guard
- Military chaplain
- Caisson (horse-drawn or motor)
How to request military honors: Notify the funeral home that the deceased is a veteran. The funeral home will typically coordinate directly with the local military installation or veterans' honor guard. You can also contact the relevant branch of service directly. There is no cost to the family for military funeral honors.
Private Cemetery Burial: Additional Benefits
Not all families choose a national cemetery. Some prefer a private cemetery closer to home, in a family plot, or in a cemetery affiliated with their faith community. Veterans buried in private cemeteries are still eligible for several benefits:
- Government Headstone or Marker: The VA will provide and ship a government headstone or marker to any cemetery in the world at no cost. The family or cemetery is responsible for installation costs (typically $100–$500 depending on the cemetery).
- Medallion: For veterans whose families have already purchased a private headstone, the VA will provide a bronze medallion that can be affixed to the existing stone. This option was created in 2009 to avoid the need for a second headstone.
- Plot Allowance: Up to $948 toward the cost of the cemetery plot if the veteran's death is not service-related.
- Burial Flag: Available regardless of burial location.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate: Available regardless of burial location.
To order a headstone, marker, or medallion, submit VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) through the VA's website or by mail.