Veterans Benefits

Veterans Funeral Benefits in a National Cemetery

Veterans Funeral Benefits include a gravesite in any of the 131 national cemeteries with available space, along with opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-provided headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all at no cost to the family. Additionally, some Veterans may qualify for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are interred in national cemeteries with the same honors as casketed remains.

Burial benefits for spouses and dependents in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and inscription of their name and dates on the Veteran’s headstone, also at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried even if they pass away before the Veteran.

Families should make funeral or cremation arrangements directly with a funeral provider or cremation office. Any services or items provided by the funeral home or cremation office are the family’s responsibility.

Preparing in Advance

Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. It’s essential to inform your family of your burial wishes and the location of your discharge papers, as these documents are necessary to confirm eligibility.

When the time comes, your family can contact our funeral home, and we will assist with making burial arrangements at the national cemetery. For added peace of mind, you may also wish to consider making pre-need arrangements with us.

Donating Burial Flags in National Cemeteries

Many Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays and special events, using burial flags donated by the families of deceased Veterans. This display serves as a unique tribute to honor all of our Nation’s Veterans.

A Certificate of Appreciation is provided to families who donate their loved one’s burial flag to a national cemetery.

For information on donating a Veteran’s burial flag, please contact the national cemetery of your choice.

Veterans Funeral Benefits in a Private Cemetery

Burial benefits available for Veterans buried in a private cemetery may include a Government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.

Veterans buried in a private cemetery may be eligible for burial benefits that include a government-provided headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also qualify for Burial Allowances. However, VA benefits are not available for spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.