What Are Veteran Burial Benefits?
The VA offers a range of burial and memorial benefits designed to honor veterans and ease the burden on their families. These programs provide both symbolic tributes and practical support, ensuring that every veteran’s life of service is remembered with dignity and care.
Let us look at some of these programs and their benefits.
Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Eligible veterans and their spouses or dependents can be laid to rest in one of the VA’s 150+ national cemeteries at no cost. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, and a government-furnished headstone or marker.
Burial in a national cemetery ensures that every veteran rests in a place of honor among their peers, surrounded by symbols of gratitude and remembrance.
Veteran Honors in Private Cemeteries: Headstones, Markers, Flags, and Certificates
For families choosing a private cemetery instead of a national cemetery, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) still provides several meaningful tributes at no cost. While these items are automatically included when a veteran is laid to rest in a national cemetery, families making private arrangements can request them directly through the VA.
Eligible veterans buried in a private cemetery may receive:
- A government-furnished headstone or grave marker, or a bronze medallion for placement on a privately purchased headstone
- A burial flag, to drape the casket or accompany an urn
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the sitting U.S. President, recognizing the veteran’s service
These tributes offer lasting ways to honor a life of service and ensure their contribution is remembered with dignity, whether the final resting place is public or private.
Burial and Plot Allowances
The VA also helps families with funeral and burial expenses through financial allowances.
For service-connected deaths, the reimbursement can be up to $2,000, while smaller amounts are available for non-service-connected deaths or private interments. The exact figures depend on several factors, including the veteran’s service status, date of death, and place of passing.
These allowances are designed to ease the practical costs that accompany honoring a veteran’s memory. Because rates are reviewed periodically, you can check the VA Burial Allowance page for current information.
Who Is Eligible for Veteran Burial Benefits?
Veteran burial benefits are available to most service members who were not dishonorably discharged, as well as to certain family members. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides these benefits to honor military service and support families with burial arrangements.
Burial Benefits for Veterans and Service Members
Eligibility for VA burial benefits for veterans and service members generally includes:
- Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Service members who pass away while on active duty
- Veterans whose death is related to military service, which may qualify them for full burial honors and additional financial allowances
- Members of the Reserve or National Guard who meet specific length-of-service or activation requirements
Full eligibility details are available on the VA’s website.
Burial Benefits for Family Members of Veterans and Service Members
Certain family members may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery alongside the veteran, including:
- The spouse of a veteran
- A minor child
- In some cases, an adult dependent child with disabilities
These provisions reflect the VA’s recognition that military service often includes the strength and sacrifice of family.
How Can I Confirm Eligibility for These Programs?
Because each circumstance is unique, it’s always best to confirm eligibility before making arrangements.
You can contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 to verify eligibility and discuss burial options, or reach out to a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO), such as the DAV or American Legion, for free assistance with documentation and applications.
If you prefer to plan ahead, the VA’s Pre-Need Eligibility program allows you to establish eligibility before the time of need. This can help reduce uncertainty during an emotional period.
How To Apply for Burial Benefits
You can apply for VA burial benefits online, by mail, or with assistance from a funeral director or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). These representatives can help ensure all required documentation is included and that families receive the benefits their loved one is entitled to.
Whether you’re arranging services for a loved one who has recently passed or planning ahead, here’s how to begin.
1. Gather the Necessary Documents
Start by collecting the documents you’ll need to support your claim. These typically include:
- The veteran’s DD214 or discharge papers
- Death certificate
- Itemized funeral or burial bills
- Proof of payment (if applying for reimbursement)
Having these on hand early makes everything smoother when completing the forms or coordinating with a funeral home.
2. Complete the VA Application Form
You can apply online or by mail using VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits).
This form helps the VA determine what allowances or reimbursements may be available to your family.
3. Seek Help if You Need it
You don’t have to handle the paperwork alone. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, or local state veterans offices provide free, hands-on help with applications and eligibility questions.
Honoring Veterans at Hollywood Forever
Hollywood Forever is a historic cemetery in Los Angeles that helps families create meaningful memorials and funeral services that reflect their loved one’s wishes. Our team works with care and respect to honor each life—whether through cultural, religious, or military traditions, including those that celebrate a veteran’s service.
We can assist families in coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when applicable, answer questions about available benefits, and help plan a ceremony or resting place that feels true to their loved one’s legacy.
Contact us to learn more about funeral and memorial arrangements at Hollywood Forever.
