For those who served, the VA provides a range of burial and memorial benefits designed to honor that service. These benefits can ease both the emotional and financial weight a family carries after a loss.
Who is eligible
- Veterans with qualifying service
- Spouses and surviving spouses (even if remarried, in many cases)
- Dependent children under specific conditions
- Certain Reservists and National Guard members
Burial in a national or state veterans cemetery
Burial at a VA national cemetery is provided at no cost to eligible veterans and includes:
- The gravesite
- Opening and closing of the grave
- A government headstone, marker, or medallion
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Perpetual care of the grave
Burial allowances for private cemeteries
Service-connected death
Higher reimbursement when the veteran's death was related to their service.
Non-service-connected death
A smaller burial and plot allowance, often available when the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation.
Even in a private cemetery, the VA still provides a free headstone or marker and a burial flag.
Military honors and the burial flag
- Folding and presentation of the U.S. flag
- Playing of Taps (live or recorded)
- An honor detail of at least two uniformed service members
The burial flag is provided at no cost and is traditionally presented to the next of kin.
What documents to gather
- DD-214 (discharge papers) — the most important document
- Marriage certificate (for spouse benefits)
- Social Security numbers
- VA claim or file number if applicable
- Any VA pension or compensation award letters
What VA burial benefits do not cover
- Casket or urn (for private cemetery burials)
- Funeral home service fees
- Memorial service venue or reception
- Travel costs for family
- Outstanding medical or final expense bills
This is where many veteran families still find a meaningful role for a small final expense policy to cover the remaining costs.