National Cemetery Burial
Free burial for eligible veterans and their families — one of the most valuable and underused benefits in existence.
What's Included — At No Cost
Who Is Eligible?
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Veterans — any period of service, discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
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Spouses and surviving spouses — may be buried alongside an eligible veteran
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Dependent children — minor children and unmarried adult children with disabilities
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Reserve and National Guard members — those who were eligible for retired pay or who died of service-connected causes
Apply in Advance — VA Pre-Need Program
The VA offers a Pre-Need Eligibility Determination program that lets you establish cemetery eligibility before it's needed. Processing takes 90+ days — apply early.
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Complete VA Form 40-10007
The Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility. Available at VA.gov or your regional office.
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Submit proof of service
Include your DD-214 or other discharge document. Without it, processing will be significantly delayed.
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Receive your eligibility letter
The VA will send a written determination. Store this letter with your DD-214 — your family will need it at time of need.
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Share with family members
Make sure your next of kin knows where your eligibility letter and DD-214 are stored. Pre-planning conversations save families enormous stress.
Find Your Nearest National Cemetery
The VA's cemetery locator tool lists all 155+ national cemeteries by state.
Search VA Cemetery Locator →