Veterans burial and memorial benefits
What the VA provides for honorably discharged veterans, including burial in a national cemetery, headstones, and a burial allowance.
6 min read
Most veterans with other than dishonorable discharges qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits can include burial in a national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA], 2024a).
What is included at no cost
Burial in any open VA national cemetery is provided at no cost to the family for eligible veterans, and may include a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate (VA, 2024a).
Burial allowances
The VA may pay a partial reimbursement for burial and funeral costs. Higher amounts apply when the death was service-connected. Apply using VA Form 21P-530EZ; current allowance amounts and eligibility rules are published on the VA website (VA, 2024b).
Documents you will need
DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), the death certificate, and proof of paid funeral or burial expenses if applying for the allowance (VA, 2024b).
Begin your VA checklist
NextStep can guide you through requesting the DD-214 if you do not have one and applying for the right combination of benefits.