Veterans Burial & Memorial Benefits
It's a common misconception that all funeral and burial expenses for veterans are fully covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While eligible veterans and their families may have access to valuable burial and memorial benefits, those benefits don't necessarily cover every expense.
Understanding what's available before it's needed can help veterans and their loved ones make informed plans and avoid unexpected costs.
What Burial Benefits Are Available to Veterans?
Eligible veterans may qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery, depending on eligibility and availability. Families can find a VA national cemetery and review VA burial eligibility requirements.
For eligible veterans, national cemetery burial benefits may include:
A gravesite
Opening and closing of the grave
A government-furnished grave liner
A government-furnished upright headstone, flat marker, or niche cover
A burial flag
A Presidential Memorial Certificate
Perpetual care of the grave
Military funeral honors are provided through the veteran's branch of service, and families can work with their funeral director to help coordinate eligible benefits.
It's important to remember that other costs associated with a funeral, funeral home services, transportation, cremation, and related arrangements may not be covered.
Cremation, Green Burial, and Burial at Sea
Veterans and their families may have additional choices depending on their preferences and eligibility.
Cremated remains can be buried or inurned in a national cemetery. The VA also provides information about green burial options.
The U.S. Navy also provides a Burial at Sea program. Families considering this option can review Burial at Sea eligibility and application information.
Veterans Burial Allowances
Some families may qualify for a VA burial allowance, sometimes referred to as a veterans death benefit, to help with certain burial, funeral, or transportation expenses.
The amount available and eligibility requirements depend on the veteran's circumstances and other factors. Because benefit amounts and requirements can change, families should review the VA's current veterans burial allowance information rather than relying on older benefit amounts.
For additional guidance following a veteran's death, Navy Mutual offers:
Who May Be Eligible for Burial in a VA National Cemetery?
Eligibility depends on the individual's circumstances. In general, eligibility may extend to qualifying servicemembers and veterans, as well as certain spouses and dependents.
Those who may qualify include:
A servicemember who died while on active duty
A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
A spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran
A dependent child of an eligible veteran
Families should review the VA's national cemetery burial eligibility requirements for details about their specific circumstances.
The National Cemetery Administration handles requests for burial in VA national cemeteries, and a funeral director can also assist families with arrangements.
What About Arlington National Cemetery?
Arlington National Cemetery is separate from the VA national cemetery system and has its own eligibility requirements.
Families considering Arlington should review the Arlington National Cemetery eligibility requirements.
State veterans cemeteries may also be available and can have different eligibility requirements.
Who May Qualify for a Veterans Burial Allowance?
A burial allowance may be available when certain eligibility requirements are met. Qualifying circumstances may include cases in which a veteran:
Died as a result of a service-connected disability
Died while receiving care at a VA or qualifying VA-contracted facility
Died under certain circumstances while traveling for VA-authorized examination or treatment
Had a qualifying VA claim pending at the time of death
Was receiving VA pension or compensation
Met certain other VA benefit requirements
Different individuals or organizations may potentially apply, depending on their relationship to the veteran and their role in paying or arranging the burial.
Because eligibility, filing requirements, deadlines, and reimbursement amounts can depend on individual circumstances, visit the VA's burial allowance resource for current information.
Memorial Headstones, Markers, Medallions, Plaques, and Urns
The VA also provides memorial items for certain eligible veterans.
Depending on the circumstances, this may apply when a veteran's remains weren't recovered or identified, were buried at sea, were donated to science, or were cremated and scattered.
Families should carefully review the requirements and implications associated with each memorial option before applying.
Can You Apply for VA Burial Eligibility in Advance?
Yes. Veterans can apply for a pre-need determination of eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery.
A pre-need determination can establish eligibility in advance, helping veterans and their families better understand their options before the time of need. It does not guarantee a specific gravesite.
The application requires personal and military service information, along with the veteran's preferred VA national cemetery.
Planning ahead can also involve discussing wishes with loved ones, reviewing important documents, and considering expenses that aren't covered by veterans benefits. Navy Mutual's What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away provides additional information for families.
Planning Ahead Can Make a Difference
VA burial and memorial benefits can provide meaningful assistance to eligible veterans and their families, but they may not cover every funeral, cremation, transportation, or burial expense.
Learning what you're eligible for ahead of time can help you make decisions, communicate your wishes to family members, and prepare financially for costs that may remain.
For the most current eligibility requirements and benefits, consult VA.gov or seek assistance from an accredited Veterans Service Organization.
Author - Navy Mutual
