Veteran Funeral Plan

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Eligible veterans and their dependents can be buried in one of more than 150 VA national cemeteries across the United States and its territories at no cost to the family.

What's Included:

• Burial plot or cremation niche at no cost
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Perpetual care of the gravesite
• Government headstone or marker
• Burial flag
• Presidential Memorial Certificate

Eligibility:

Veterans who meet one of the following criteria are generally eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery:

• Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Member of a reserve component who died while on active duty or inactive duty training
• Former member of the Selected Reserve who served their full initial obligation, or was discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty

Eligible family members include the veteran's spouse, surviving spouse, minor children, and in some cases, unmarried adult children and dependent parents.

Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

The VA provides headstones and markers for veterans' graves at no cost to the family, regardless of whether the veteran is buried in a national, state, or private cemetery.

Available Options:

• Flat markers: Bronze, granite, or marble
• Upright headstones: Granite or marble
• Niche markers: For cremated remains
• Medallions: For privately purchased headstones

Inscriptions:

The headstone can include the veteran's name, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and may also include military rank, war service, awards, religious emblems, and optional text.

Military Funeral Honors

By law, every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors. The Department of Defense is responsible for providing these honors, which add a meaningful tribute to the funeral service.

Standard Honors Include:

• Folding and presentation of the United States flag
• Playing of Taps (live or recorded)
• At least two uniformed military personnel

Enhanced Honors:

Depending on availability and the veteran's rank and service, additional honors may include a firing party, color guard, or military band.

Burial Flag

The VA provides a United States burial flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. After the funeral service, the flag is presented to the next of kin or close friend as a lasting memento of the veteran's service.

How to Obtain:

Flags can be obtained from any VA regional office, most local post offices, and funeral directors. The veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) are typically required.

Burial Allowances

The VA provides partial reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses for eligible veterans. The amount varies based on the veteran's eligibility and the circumstances of death.

Types of Allowances:

• Service-Related Death: VA will pay up to the established limit for burial and funeral expenses, plus a plot or interment allowance
• Non-Service-Related Death: VA will pay up to the established limit toward burial and funeral expenses, and a plot or interment allowance
• Plot Allowance: Reimbursement for burial plot costs if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery

Note: Allowance amounts are adjusted periodically. Contact us or visit the VA website for current rates.

State Veterans Cemeteries

Many states operate their own veterans cemeteries that provide burial benefits similar to VA national cemeteries. Eligibility requirements and available benefits may vary by state. These cemeteries often provide a closer option for families who prefer to keep their loved one nearby.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Eligible veterans' families can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC), an engraved paper certificate signed by the current president to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans.