Veteran Funeral Planning Checklist

Why This Matters

Families who pre-plan avoid scrambling for documents, miss fewer benefits, and spend significantly less — all while honoring the veteran exactly as they wished.

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) — Member 4 copy preferred
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card or number
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Dependent children documentation
• Passport or government-issued photo ID
• VA claim number (if already receiving VA benefits)
• Life insurance policies and beneficiary designations
• Pension or retirement account details

• Confirm eligibility for VA burial allowance (up to $978 non-service-connected; $2,000 service-connected)
• Determine national cemetery eligibility — contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office
• Identify the nearest national cemetery and confirm availability
• Request information on free VA headstone or grave marker
• Confirm eligibility for Military Funeral Honors (flag, Taps, honor guard)
• Check state veteran burial benefits — many states add additional allowances or cemetery access
• Identify survivor benefits available to your spouse or dependents

• Choose between burial and cremation, and document the preference
• Select a funeral home — ask whether they are VA-familiar
• Review itemized funeral home pricing (required by FTC law)
• Decide on service type: graveside, chapel, military honors, or combination
• Select casket or urn if applicable
• Choose burial location: national cemetery, private cemetery, or other
• Pre-arrange with the funeral home in writing if desired
• Consider a preneed insurance policy to lock in prices and fund expenses in advance

• Share the location of your DD-214 and other key documents
• Name a point of contact who will coordinate with the funeral home
• Identify who will notify the VA and Social Security
• Write down your wishes for the service — music, readings, military honors
• Leave instructions on who to contact: clergy, veterans organizations, unit contacts
• Specify preferences for obituary and any requested donations in lieu of flowers

• Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (typically 8–12 needed)
• File for VA burial allowance using VA Form 21P-530EZ within 2 years
• Request Military Funeral Honors through the funeral home or directly with the branch of service
• Apply for headstone or marker using VA Form 40-1330 if not already arranged
• Notify Social Security Administration
• Apply for any survivor pension or dependency benefits through the VA
• Contact veteran service organizations for additional support and advocacy

Get This Checklist in the Free Planning Guide

The guide includes this checklist, VA benefit amounts, and a document locator sheet — all in one printable resource.