Veterans
Veterans Funeral Benefits: Military Honors and VA Burial Benefits
A complete guide to funeral benefits available to veterans, including military honors, VA burial allowances, and national cemeteries.
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Veterans Funeral Benefits: Military Honors and VA Burial Benefits
Veterans who served our country have earned special funeral benefits. This guide covers everything available to eligible veterans and their families.
Military Funeral Honors
All eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors at no cost, which include:
- Folding and presentation of the American flag to next of kin
- Playing of Taps (live or recorded)
- Honor guard of at least two uniformed service members
- Rifle volley (upon request and availability)
To arrange military honors, inform the funeral home of the veteran's military service. They will coordinate with the appropriate branch.
VA Burial Benefits
Burial Allowance
The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover costs:
- Service-connected death: Up to $2,000
- Non-service-connected death (VA hospital): Up to $831
- Non-service-connected death: Up to $300 burial + $831 plot allowance
National Cemetery Burial
Veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. Benefits include:
- Gravesite at no charge
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Perpetual care
- Government headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
State Veterans Cemeteries
Many states operate their own veterans cemeteries with similar benefits. Check with your state's Department of Veterans Affairs.
Headstones and Markers
The VA provides headstones and markers for eligible veterans at no cost, including:
- Upright headstones (marble or granite)
- Flat bronze, marble, or granite markers
- Bronze niche markers for cremated remains
- Medallions for privately purchased headstones
Eligibility
Generally eligible:
- Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Service members who died on active duty
- Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans
- Some National Guard and Reserve members
How to Apply
- Gather documents: DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Contact the VA: Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov
- Work with your funeral home: They can assist with VA paperwork
- Apply online: Through va.gov/burials-memorials
Additional Resources
- VA National Cemetery Administration: 1-800-535-1117
- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
- State Veterans Affairs offices: Contact your state VA department
Search our directory for funeral homes that specialize in veterans services and military honors.