For eligible Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a significant benefit: free burial in a VA national cemetery. This includes a burial plot, the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a grave liner, and a government headstone or marker.
What is Burial in VA National Cemeteries?
The Burial in VA National Cemeteries program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offers a dignified final resting place for eligible service members, Veterans, and their qualifying family members. This program ensures that those who served our nation, along with their loved ones, receive a burial in a national shrine, honoring their service and sacrifice.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery generally extends to Veterans, service members, spouses, and certain dependent children. Based on official VA sources, the primary eligibility requirements include:
- Veterans: Individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Service Members: Those who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.
- Spouses: The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran or service member. This eligibility typically remains even if the surviving spouse remarries after the Veteran’s death.
- Dependent Children: Minor children of an eligible Veteran or service member (even if the Veteran died first). In some cases, unmarried adult dependent children may also qualify.
Beyond these core categories, specific groups may also qualify, including but not limited to:
- U.S. citizens who served honorably in the Armed Forces of a U.S. ally during wartime.
- Members of Reserve components or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) who meet specific service or death-in-service criteria.
- Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the Public Health Service (PHS) who meet specific duty requirements.
- World War II Merchant Mariners with qualifying oceangoing service.
- Philippine Armed Forces Veterans who meet specific residency and service dates.
- Certain Hmong individuals who served honorably with special guerrilla units in Laos in support of U.S. Armed Forces, and who meet specific residency and naturalization criteria.
Conversely, certain individuals are generally not eligible:
- Former spouses whose marriage to an eligible Veteran or service member ended by annulment or divorce, unless they are also a Veteran.
- Family members of a Veteran convicted of subversive activities, unless a Presidential pardon is granted.
- Individuals who were drafted but never entered military service.
For detailed eligibility criteria for specific groups, applicants are encouraged to verify with the official VA source at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/.
What You Can Get
The Burial in VA National Cemeteries program provides comprehensive benefits for eligible individuals, ensuring a respectful and honorable burial. The key benefits include:
- Free Burial Plot: There is no cost for the burial plot itself within a VA national cemetery for eligible individuals.
- Grave Opening and Closing: The services for opening and closing the grave are provided at no cost.
- Perpetual Care: Ongoing maintenance and care of the gravesite are included, ensuring the cemetery grounds remain dignified.
- Grave Liner: A grave liner is provided to maintain the integrity of the grave.
- Headstone, Marker, or Medallion: A government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion is provided to commemorate the Veteran’s service.
- Military Funeral Honors: While not directly provided by the VA national cemetery, military funeral honors may be arranged by the funeral home coordinating the burial.
It is important to note that these benefits are provided at no cost for the plot, grave opening/closing, or perpetual care for eligible individuals, based on the official VA source.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
Applying for burial in a VA national cemetery typically involves coordination and preparation. While the process can be initiated by family members, it is commonly facilitated by a funeral director. Pre-need eligibility determination is also available, allowing individuals to confirm their eligibility in advance.
- Determine Eligibility (Pre-Need Option): Individuals may apply for a pre-need determination of eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This allows Veterans and their family members to confirm eligibility before a death occurs, which can simplify arrangements later. This application can be submitted online or by mail.
- Contact a National Cemetery or Funeral Director: Upon the death of an eligible individual, the family or their chosen funeral director should contact the national cemetery where burial is desired directly. The funeral director typically handles all necessary arrangements and paperwork with the VA.
- Gather Required Documents: Applicants or funeral directors will generally need to provide documents to verify eligibility. This typically includes the Veteran’s discharge papers (such as a DD214 or equivalent), marriage certificates for spouses, and birth certificates for dependent children. Additional documentation may be required for specific eligibility categories.
- Coordinate Burial Arrangements: The national cemetery staff will work with the family or funeral director to schedule the burial service, select a gravesite (if applicable), and confirm all details.
- Confirm Memorial Items: The national cemetery will arrange for the placement of a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion as part of the burial benefit.
For the most current application procedures and required forms, always refer to the official VA website: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Navigating the process for VA national cemetery burial can have its complexities. Being aware of common mistakes can help ensure a smoother experience:
- Assuming Eligibility: Not all Veterans, service members, or their family members automatically qualify. It’s crucial to verify eligibility criteria, especially for specific groups or discharge conditions, by checking the official VA source.
- Lack of Documentation: Failing to have readily available proof of service (e.g., DD214), marriage, or dependency can delay the application process. It is generally advisable to organize these documents in advance.
- Not Understanding What’s Included: While many services are free, certain items like funeral home services, embalming, cremation, or specific memorial items beyond the government-provided headstone are typically not covered by the VA national cemetery benefit.
- Delaying Contact: In times of immediate need, delaying contact with a national cemetery or funeral director can complicate timely arrangements. It is often beneficial to initiate contact as soon as possible.
- Incorrect Cemetery Choice: Not all VA national cemeteries have space available, particularly for casketed remains. It’s important to confirm availability at the desired location.
- Misunderstanding Pre-Need vs. At-Need: A pre-need determination confirms eligibility but does not reserve a specific plot. At-need arrangements are made at the time of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a VA national cemetery burial?
A burial in a VA national cemetery for eligible individuals typically includes a free burial plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion. Military funeral honors may also be arranged by the funeral home.
Can a Veteran’s spouse be buried in a VA national cemetery?
Yes, the spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran or service member may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. This eligibility typically remains even if the surviving spouse remarries after the Veteran’s death, based on official VA guidelines.
Is there a cost for burial in a VA national cemetery?
For eligible individuals, there is generally no cost for the plot, the opening and closing of the grave, or the perpetual care of the gravesite within a VA national cemetery. Other costs, such as those from a funeral home for services like embalming or cremation, are typically separate and not covered by the VA national cemetery benefit.
How do I apply for pre-need eligibility for a VA national cemetery burial?
Individuals can apply for a pre-need determination of eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This process allows you to confirm eligibility in advance, which can help with future planning. Applications can typically be submitted online or by mail. For specific instructions and forms, it is recommended to visit the official VA website at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/.
Where to Get Help
- Apply or check status: VA.gov
- Call VA: 1-800-827-1000 (general benefits)
- Visit a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free claim assistance — DAV, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion
- VA Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then press 1
Reviewed by Gov Money Map Editorial Team — Last verified: 2026-05-13
Primary Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov). Official program page: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/
DISCLAIMER: Gov Money Map is not a government agency, tax advisor, financial advisor, or law firm. This page provides general educational information only. Federal program rules, dollar amounts, and eligibility criteria change frequently — verify current details with the official agency before submitting an application or making a financial decision. Last updated: May 2026.