VA provides burial benefits to most veterans with non-dishonorable discharge: free burial in a VA national cemetery, headstone/marker, burial flag, presidential memorial certificate, and burial allowance ($300-$2,000 depending on whether death was service-connected). Benefits also extend to spouses + dependent children.
Quick Answer
Most non-dishonorably-discharged veterans + spouses + dependent children qualify.
Requirements
Veteran: any era, non-dishonorable discharge
Spouse: married at time of veteran's death; remains eligible after divorce only if not remarried (with some exceptions)
Dependent children: under 21, OR under 23 if full-time student, OR helpless (any age)
Some VA national cemeteries are FULL — check availability at va.gov/burials-memorials/
Burial allowance: 2025 rates: $300 (non-service-connected death not in VA care), $2,000 (service-connected death) + plot allowance $948 (non-service-connected) and $948 transportation if applicable.
Headstone/marker: Free government headstone or marker for any veteran. Apply via VA Form 40-1330. Multiple types available (upright marble, granite, flush bronze, niche covers for cremations).
Burial flag: Free U.S. flag, draped over casket then given to next-of-kin. Apply via VA Form 27-2008 (free at any USPS or funeral home).
Presidential memorial certificate: Free certificate signed by current president acknowledging veteran's service. Apply via VA Form 40-0247.
Fastest application path
For pre-need eligibility determination: VA Form 40-10007. For burial after death: family completes paperwork at funeral home — most funeral homes do all the VA forms. National cemetery scheduling at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7).
Common pitfalls (avoid these)
⚠ Not requesting pre-need eligibility (free, takes 60 days; lets family know what's available before death)
⚠ Not knowing about Aid & Attendance pension benefit (separate from burial — increases monthly pension if veteran needs daily-living help in last years)
⚠ Choosing a private cemetery without checking VA national cemetery availability (national is free; private has burial-allowance reimbursement only)
⚠ Forgetting the burial flag (every veteran is entitled regardless of cemetery choice)
Common questions
Can my spouse be buried with me at a VA national cemetery?
Yes. Spouses + dependent children are eligible for burial in the same plot at a VA national cemetery. Spouses retain eligibility even if the veteran predeceased them. Different rules for state veterans cemeteries — check your state's specifics.
How does cremation work for VA burial?
Cremated remains are eligible for the same VA national cemetery burial as casketed remains. VA provides niche covers for inurnment. Many veterans now choose cremation followed by inurnment at a national cemetery — saves cost while preserving honor.
What if my veteran died from a service-connected condition?
Service-connected death triggers higher burial benefits ($2,000 vs $300) AND the surviving spouse may be eligible for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) — a tax-free monthly benefit. See /survivor/dic for the DIC amounts and application path.
