Section 1
💰 Burial Allowance Amounts
The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs. Amounts vary based on whether the death was service-connected.
🎖️ Service-Connected Death
- Burial allowance: up to $2,000+
- Transportation allowance for remains
- No time limit on filing
📋 Non-Service-Connected Death
- Burial allowance: $831+
- Plot allowance: $831+ (if not buried in national cemetery)
- Must file within 2 years of burial
VA facility death: If the veteran died in a VA facility or while receiving VA care, the burial allowance may be higher.
Section 2
🏛️ National Cemetery Burial
Veterans are eligible for burial in any of the 155+ VA national cemeteries at no cost to the family.
⚰️ Free gravesite in a national cemetery
🪦 Free headstone or marker (flat, upright, or niche)
🇺🇸 Free burial flag to drape the casket
🎺 Military honors — at minimum, a flag-folding ceremony and taps
💍 Spouse and dependents can be buried together at no cost
🔒 Perpetual care of the gravesite by the VA
Section 3
🏆 Memorial Benefits
🪦 Headstones & Markers
Free government headstone or marker for any eligible veteran — even if buried in a private cemetery. Flat bronze/granite, upright marble/granite, or niche covers available.
🇺🇸 Burial Flag
A free United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn. After the service, the flag is presented to the next of kin. Apply at any VA regional office or most funeral homes.
📜 Presidential Memorial Certificate
An engraved certificate signed by the current President, honoring the veteran's service. Available to eligible veterans' families at no cost. Multiple copies can be requested.
Section 4
📋 Pre-Need Eligibility Determination
You can apply in advance to determine your eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This helps families plan ahead and reduces stress during difficult times.
📝 Apply using VA Form 40-10007 — Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility
✅ Receive a pre-need decision letter confirming eligibility
👨👩👧 Spouses and dependents can also apply for pre-need
🆓 No cost to apply — purely informational
Section 5
📝 How to Apply for Burial Benefits
1
For burial allowance: File VA Form 21P-530 — Application for Burial Benefits
3
For headstone/marker: File VA Form 40-1330 — Claim for Government Furnished Headstone or Marker
4
For burial flag: File VA Form 27-2008 at your local VA office or through a funeral home
5
For
Presidential Memorial Certificate: Apply online at
VA.gov
Required documents: DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, proof of burial costs (receipts/invoices). Funeral homes often assist with VA burial benefit applications.
Section 6
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes. Eligible spouses and dependent children can be buried in the same gravesite at no additional cost. The spouse's name and dates are added to the headstone.
A: Yes. The VA will provide a free headstone or marker for any eligible veteran buried in a private cemetery. The family is responsible for placement costs.
A: Veterans with dishonorable discharges are generally not eligible for VA burial benefits. However, veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify depending on the circumstances. The VA makes individual determinations.
A: Yes. National cemeteries accommodate cremated remains in columbarium niches, in-ground burial, or scattering. The burial allowance applies regardless of burial method.
A: Military funeral honors are arranged through the funeral home, which contacts the appropriate military branch. At minimum, honors include two uniformed service members, flag folding, and the playing of Taps.