How do I prove veteran eligibility for burial benefits?

The primary document is the DD Form 214 (discharge papers). If you cannot locate a copy, you can request one from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) online at eVetRecs. The funeral home or VA can also help verify eligibility through their records systems.

Can veterans who received a dishonorable discharge get burial benefits?

Generally no. Veterans with dishonorable discharges are not eligible for VA burial benefits. Those with "other than honorable" discharges may request a character of discharge determination from the VA, which could make them eligible depending on the circumstances of their service.

Is there a cost for cremation niche placement at a national cemetery?

No. The VA provides a columbarium niche, niche cover or marker, and perpetual care at no cost in national cemeteries for eligible veterans and their dependents. This includes the opening and closing of the niche.

How far in advance should I pre-arrange veteran burial?

You can pre-arrange burial at a national cemetery at any time by contacting the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. Pre-arrangement establishes eligibility and your preferred cemetery but does not reserve a specific gravesite. Having a copy of the DD Form 214 readily accessible will simplify arrangements at the time of need.

Veteran Funeral Benefits and Eligibility: Everything You Need to Know

2026-04-138 min read

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides significant funeral and burial benefits to eligible veterans and, in some cases, their spouses and dependents. These benefits can reduce funeral costs by $3,000 to $10,000 or more, yet many veteran families are unaware of what they are entitled to receive. This guide covers every major VA burial benefit, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Who Is Eligible?

VA burial benefits are available to veterans who meet any of these conditions:

Served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge
Died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Were members of the Selected Reserve or National Guard with qualifying service
Were former members of the Selected Reserve who served the full term of their enlistment

Spouses, minor children, and in some cases adult dependent children of eligible veterans may also qualify for burial in a national cemetery alongside the veteran.

Free Burial in a National Cemetery

This is the most valuable VA burial benefit. Eligible veterans receive at no cost:

A gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space
Opening and closing of the grave
A government headstone or marker
A burial flag
A Presidential Memorial Certificate
Perpetual care of the gravesite

The VA operates 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. There is no charge for the plot, marker, or perpetual maintenance. This benefit alone saves families $3,000 to $8,000 compared to purchasing a plot, headstone, and perpetual care at a private cemetery.

VA Burial Allowances

For veterans not buried in a national cemetery, the VA provides monetary burial allowances:

Service-connected death: Up to $2,000 toward burial expenses (2026 rate). The VA may also pay the cost of transporting the remains
Non-service-connected death: Up to $948 for burial and funeral expenses, plus $948 for a plot if not buried in a national or state veterans cemetery (2026 rates, adjusted annually)
Unclaimed remains: The VA pays a higher amount when there are no known next of kin

These allowances are paid in addition to any national cemetery benefits. They do not cover the full cost of a funeral but provide meaningful financial relief.

Government Headstones and Markers

The VA provides a headstone or marker free of charge for any eligible veteran, whether buried in a national cemetery, state veterans cemetery, or private cemetery. Options include:

Upright marble or granite headstone
Flat bronze, marble, or granite marker
Niche cover for columbarium placement
Medallion for privately purchased headstones (to add a VA emblem)

For private cemeteries, the headstone or marker is shipped free of charge, but the family is responsible for installation costs (typically $200-$500).

Military Funeral Honors

By law, every eligible veteran is entitled to a military funeral honors ceremony at no cost, consisting of at least two uniformed service members who fold and present the American flag and play Taps. Full military honors for higher-ranking personnel or combat veterans may include a rifle salute, horse-drawn caisson, and additional ceremonial elements.

To request military honors, the funeral home contacts the appropriate military branch. Allow at least 48 hours notice when possible.

State Veterans Cemeteries

In addition to federal national cemeteries, most states operate their own veterans cemeteries. These typically offer the same free burial benefits as national cemeteries, with the advantage of being located closer to the veteran's community. Some state cemeteries have shorter wait times for interment than popular national cemeteries.

Eligibility requirements for state veterans cemeteries may include a state residency requirement. Check with your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for specifics.

How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits

Gather the veteran's DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
For national cemetery burial, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117
For burial allowances, file VA Form 21P-530 within 2 years of burial
For a headstone or marker, file VA Form 40-1330
Your funeral home can assist with most of these filings

Use our state directory to find state veterans cemeteries and funeral homes experienced with VA benefits in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a veteran's spouse be buried in a national cemetery?: Yes. An eligible veteran's spouse, surviving spouse (who has not remarried, or remarried after age 57), minor children, and in some cases adult dependent children may be buried in a national cemetery with or alongside the veteran at no cost for the gravesite.
How do I prove veteran eligibility for burial benefits?: The primary document is the DD Form 214 (discharge papers). If you cannot locate a copy, you can request one from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) online at eVetRecs. The funeral home or VA can also help verify eligibility through their records systems.
Can veterans who received a dishonorable discharge get burial benefits?: Generally no. Veterans with dishonorable discharges are not eligible for VA burial benefits. Those with "other than honorable" discharges may request a character of discharge determination from the VA, which could make them eligible depending on the circumstances of their service.
Is there a cost for cremation niche placement at a national cemetery?: No. The VA provides a columbarium niche, niche cover or marker, and perpetual care at no cost in national cemeteries for eligible veterans and their dependents. This includes the opening and closing of the niche.
How far in advance should I pre-arrange veteran burial?: You can pre-arrange burial at a national cemetery at any time by contacting the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. Pre-arrangement establishes eligibility and your preferred cemetery but does not reserve a specific gravesite. Having a copy of the DD Form 214 readily accessible will simplify arrangements at the time of need.