Veterans
Honoring Our Heroes
The Veterans section provides guidance on the burial and memorial benefits available to U.S. military veterans and their families. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers valuable support, benefits are often more limited than people expect. This page explains what’s covered, who qualifies, and how to plan ahead so survivors understand both what’s provided—and what costs they may still face.
Understanding VA Benefits
Most VA assistance relates to cemetery and memorial benefits, not full funeral services. The VA provides a burial plot or columbarium niche, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and perpetual care at a national or state veterans cemetery.
However, families are generally responsible for:
- Funeral home services (transportation, casket or urn, preparation)
- Cremation or burial costs not covered by the VA
- Transportation to the cemetery
Some families may qualify for a VA burial allowance, a partial reimbursement that usually totals less than $1,000.
📘 Learn more: Visit the VA Burial Benefits and Memorial Items page for full eligibility and application details.
Who is Eligible?
- Veterans who were honorably discharged (with certain exceptions for other discharge statuses).
- Spouses (but not ex-spouses).
- Dependent children, including certain unmarried adult children with disabilities.
Eligibility is determined by the VA. It’s best to apply in advance to confirm your status and receive official documentation.
Pre-Need Decision Letters
Veterans can apply in advance for burial benefits and receive a Pre-Need Decision Letter confirming eligibility.
Having this letter simplifies the process—your family can contact the VA directly at the time of need without going through a funeral provider first.
If no pre-need application was filed, benefits may still be available, but reimbursement is paid after burial and follows VA payment schedules.
📝 Apply here: VA Pre-Need Eligibility Application (Form 40-10007)
Where Vetereans Can Be Buried
National Cemeteries:
Managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration, these cemeteries provide free burial space for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Find locations using the VA Find a Cemetery tool.
State Veterans Cemeteries:
Many states operate their own cemeteries through VA grant programs. See the VA’s State Veterans Cemeteries list for details and eligibility rules.
⚠️ If you choose a private cemetery, the VA can still provide an official headstone or marker, but you must arrange and pay for installation.
Burial at Sea
The U.S. Navy’s Burial at Sea Program offers an alternative for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. This service is managed by Navy Mortuary Affairs.
Families are responsible for:
- All funeral arrangements (including casket or urn).
- Transporting remains to one of the five authorized ports:
- Norfolk, VA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Bremerton, WA
- Honolulu, HI
- San Diego, CA
Learn more on the Navy’s Burial at Sea page.