Survivors & Memorial Benefits
VA Burial & Memorial Benefits
Every veteran deserves a dignified burial — these benefits are earned and free
The VA provides burial and memorial benefits to honor veterans and ease the burden on families. Most families don't know the full scope of what's available — from free burial in national cemeteries to headstones, flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates.
1
Cash Benefit
VA Burial Allowance
2026 Burial Allowance Rates
| Circumstance |
Burial Allowance |
Plot / Interment |
| Service-connected death |
$2,000 |
$1,000 (if not buried in national cemetery) |
| Non-service-connected death (veteran receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death) |
$796 |
$796 |
| Veteran who died in a VA facility |
$796 |
$796 |
| Veteran who died while eligible for Medicaid |
$796 |
— |
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Most Valuable Benefit
Burial in a National Cemetery
⭐ Completely FREE
What's Included at No Cost
- Grave space in a national cemetery
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Perpetual care of the gravesite — forever
- Government headstone or marker (with veteran's information inscribed)
- Burial flag — presented to next of kin at the committal service
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Who Qualifies
- All honorably discharged veterans
- Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans (same grave or adjacent)
- National Guard and Reserve members with 20+ years qualifying service
How to Arrange
- Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 1-800-535-1117
- The funeral home can handle all arrangements on your behalf
- Scheduling must go through the funeral home or family — the VA handles the rest
Over 155 national cemeteries are located across the US. Arlington National Cemetery has separate, more restrictive eligibility requirements — see Section 7.
State veterans cemeteries also exist in most states with similar benefits — often easier to access than national cemeteries. See Section 8.
3
Memorial Marker
Headstone, Marker, or Medallion
Free Government-Furnished Headstone or Marker
Available for ANY veteran — not just those buried in national cemeteries. Families who chose a private cemetery can still receive a free government headstone.
- Upright marble or granite headstone
- Flat granite or marble marker
- Flat bronze marker
- Upright bronze marker
Bronze Medallion option: If the family has already purchased a private headstone, the VA can provide a bronze medallion to affix to it — permanently identifying the grave as a veteran's.
4
Flag Benefit
Burial Flag
Every honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a United States burial flag — the flag that drapes the casket (or urn) and is then ceremonially folded and presented to the next of kin.
The flag is a permanent keepsake. Many families frame it. National cemetery services also provide a certificate holder.
How to Get It
- Request from any US Post Office or VA regional office
- The funeral home typically handles this as part of their services
- VA Form 27-2008 (if requesting independently)
5
Certificate of Honor
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certificate bearing the President's signature, expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's military service. It's a meaningful keepsake for families.
- Free for all honorably discharged veterans
- Multiple copies can be requested — one for each family member who wants one
- Apply via VA Form 40-0247 or directly at va.gov
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks
6
Plan Ahead
Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
Veterans can apply for burial eligibility before they die — this is called a Pre-Need determination. The VA reviews your eligibility and issues a decision letter that families can use when the time comes.
- Receive a written decision confirming eligibility for burial in a national cemetery
- Eliminates uncertainty and administrative burden for grieving family members
- Apply: VA Form 40-10007
Highly recommended. This simple step means your family won't have to scramble to prove your service record at one of the hardest moments of their lives.
7
Special Eligibility
Arlington National Cemetery
Separate, More Restrictive Eligibility
Arlington is administered by the Department of the Army — not the VA — and has strict eligibility criteria. Most veterans do not qualify for Arlington but can be buried with full honors at a VA national cemetery.
Who Qualifies for Arlington
- Active duty members who die in service
- Veterans with 20+ years active duty (retirees)
- Veterans with a VA disability rating of 30% or higher (above-ground interment only — columbarium)
- Medal of Honor recipients and former POWs (special eligibility)
- Veterans with distinguished service — determined by the Secretary of the Army
8
State-Level Option
State Veterans Cemeteries
All 50 states have state veterans cemeteries — a great alternative to federal national cemeteries, often with shorter wait times and easier access.
- Free grave for the veteran
- May charge a nominal fee for spouse or dependent burial
- Typically less wait and easier scheduling than national cemeteries
- Benefits similar to federal national cemeteries
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Can my spouse be buried with me in a national cemetery?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may be buried in a national cemetery — in the same grave as the veteran or in an adjacent grave — at no cost. If the spouse dies first, a grave can be reserved. The space is held for the veteran's family unit.
What if the veteran was dishonorably discharged — can they receive burial benefits?
Generally no. Burial benefits are available for veterans with honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharges. A dishonorable discharge typically disqualifies. However, discharge characterization can sometimes be upgraded through the Discharge Review Board — if upgraded to at least a general discharge, burial benefits would then apply.
How do I report a veteran's death to the VA?
Call 1-800-827-1000. The VA uses this to stop benefit payments, process death benefits, and update records. For national cemetery burial, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home typically handles most notifications as part of their services.
Can I get burial benefits if the veteran was buried privately years ago?
For the burial allowance (cash reimbursement), you must file within 2 years of burial — after that the window closes. However, a free government headstone or marker has no time limit and can be requested at any time. A Presidential Memorial Certificate can also be requested at any time.
What is the difference between a national cemetery and Arlington National Cemetery?
VA national cemeteries (155+ locations) are open to all honorably discharged veterans. Arlington is administered by the Department of the Army with much stricter requirements — limited to active duty deaths, 20-year retirees, veterans with a 30%+ VA rating (columbarium only), Medal of Honor recipients, and certain others. Most veterans who qualify for a VA national cemetery will not qualify for Arlington.
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