The VA provides a full set of burial benefits at no cost to eligible veterans and their families: national cemetery burial (38 USC § 2402), government-furnished headstones, markers, and medallions (§ 2306), the U.S. burial flag (§ 2301), a Presidential Memorial Certificate (§ 112), and burial allowances(§§ 2302-2308). Pre-need eligibility can be locked in with VA Form 40-10007 so the family doesn't have to scramble during a time of loss.
Under 38 USC § 2402, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial in one of the 155+ VA national cemeteries. The burial includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual care — all at no cost to the family.
Veterans on active duty discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Reservists and National Guard members eligible for retired pay, or who died on active duty / training.
The veteran's spouse or surviving spouse (including some remarried surviving spouses).
Minor children of eligible veterans.
Unmarried adult children of eligible veterans who were disabled before age 21.
Scheduling runs through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home typically handles this on behalf of the family — provide the veteran's DD-214 or other discharge documentation. Pre-need eligibility can be requested ahead of time via VA Form 40-10007, locking in the determination so the family is not scrambling during a time of loss.
Under 38 USC § 2306, the VA furnishes headstones, markers, and medallions at no cost for eligible veterans buried in national, state, tribal, or private cemeteries.
The request can be submitted by the next of kin, a funeral home, or an accredited representative.
Under 38 USC § 2301, the VA provides a U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran. After the funeral, the flag is presented to the next of kin or a close friend.
Obtain via VA Form 27-2008 at any VA regional office, most U.S. Post Offices, or through the funeral home. Proof of honorable service (DD-214) is required. The flag is provided at no cost.
Families sometimes display the flag in a memorial case, which can be purchased separately. The VA does not furnish flag cases, but many veterans organizations donate them.
An engraved certificate signed by the current President expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's honorable service. Issued under 38 USC § 112 to the next of kin and loved ones. No limit on how many PMCs can be requested for a single veteran — multiple family members can each receive one.
Submit a copy of the DD-214 and death certificate to the VA. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the PMC is often processed automatically and mailed to the next of kin.
Under 38 USC §§ 2302-2308, the VA pays burial allowances to help offset funeral, burial, and transportation costs. Amount depends on cause of death.
If the death was caused by a service-connected condition, or the veteran was receiving (or entitled to receive) VA compensation at the time of death, the VA pays up to the maximum allowable burial and funeral expense allowance, plus a plot allowance and transportation costs. No time limit on filing.
For deaths not caused by a service-connected condition: a smaller allowance is paid if the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, was enrolled in VA health care, or died in a VA facility or in transit to one. File within two years of burial.
Under § 2302, the VA pays a burial allowance for veterans whose remains are unclaimed, ensuring a dignified burial for veterans without families or resources.
File VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits) with DD-214, death certificate, and receipts/invoices for funeral and burial expenses.
Beyond the 155+ national cemeteries, there are 100+ state veterans cemeteries operated by individual states with partial VA funding. They offer many of the same benefits — government-furnished headstones and perpetual care. Eligibility and services vary by state; check the state veterans affairs office.
Under 38 USC § 2402: veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; Reservists/Guard members eligible for retired pay or who died on active duty or training; the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse (including some remarried surviving spouses); minor children of eligible veterans; and unmarried adult children disabled before age 21.
Yes. Under 38 USC § 2306, the VA provides headstones, markers, or medallions for eligible veterans regardless of cemetery type. If a private headstone is already in place, request a government medallion (VA Form 40-1330M) to attach to the existing marker instead of a full headstone.
File VA Form 27-2008 at any VA regional office, most U.S. Post Offices, or through the funeral home. Free, with proof of honorable service (DD-214). Under 38 USC § 2301 the flag drapes the casket or accompanies the urn, then is presented to next of kin or a close friend.
An engraved certificate signed by the current President expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's honorable service. Issued under 38 USC § 112. Multiple PMCs can be requested for a single veteran — every immediate family member can have one. Submit DD-214 + death certificate.
Service-connected death: up to the maximum allowable burial and funeral expense allowance plus a plot allowance and transportation, under 38 USC § 2307. Non-service-connected death: a smaller allowance if the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation, enrolled in VA health care, or died in a VA facility or in transit. File VA Form 21P-530EZ within two years for non-service-connected deaths; no time limit for service-connected.
Most do. The 100+ state veterans cemeteries operate under partial VA funding with similar benefits — government-furnished headstones, perpetual care. Eligibility and services vary by state; check with the state veterans affairs office.