Short answer: Eligible veterans can receive burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no charge to the family. Have the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214) ready, and call the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state; confirm details with a licensed professional.
What benefits might be available?
Benefits depend on the veteran's service and discharge status. Some benefits also extend to spouses and eligible dependents. Check current rules on VA.gov, since details can change.
| Benefit | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burial in a VA national cemetery | Gravesite, opening and closing, and perpetual care | Eligible veterans and some family members |
| Headstone, marker or medallion | Government-provided marker for the grave | Available for a private cemetery as well, in many cases |
| Burial flag | A flag to drape the casket or accompany an urn | Presented to family |
| Military funeral honors | A ceremony with a folded flag and Taps | Arranged through the funeral home |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | A commemorative certificate | Request from VA |
| Burial allowance | May reimburse part of some costs | Amounts and rules change; verify with VA |
How do I get started?
- Find the DD-214 or other discharge document. If you cannot find it, ask the funeral director or VA for help requesting it.
- Call the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 if you want burial in a national cemetery. A funeral director can also make the request.
- Tell your funeral provider the veteran's status so they can arrange honors, a flag and a marker.
- Ask about a burial allowance if you are paying the costs yourself.
- Keep copies of every form you submit.
Documents to gather
Discharge papers (DD-214), a government photo ID or birth certificate for the veteran, and, if a family member will be buried too, marriage and birth records. The funeral director can tell you what a specific cemetery needs.
What does a VA national cemetery cost?
- Gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual careProvided at no charge to eligible families.
- Government headstone or markerProvided at no charge to eligible families.
- Funeral home servicesNot covered. You still pay a funeral provider for transport, preparation and any service.
- Casket or urnYou may buy elsewhere.
- Flowers, notices, travel for relativesNot covered.
Your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule
Funeral providers must give you a General Price List when you ask about arrangements, and accurate prices by phone. You may choose only the goods and services you want, apart from a basic services fee. A provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket bought elsewhere, and a provider that offers cremation must make alternative containers available. If you hire a funeral home to help with a veteran's burial, the same price disclosure and choice rules apply.
Where do I go next?
- Veterans benefits guide
The short version, with FAQs.
- Help paying for a funeral
Other sources of assistance.
- Cemetery basics
Plots, vaults and markers.
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- Direct cremation: what it includes and what it does notDirect cremation is cremation soon after death with no ceremony. See direct cremation cost, what is included, timing and how to find a provider near you.See this service →
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery?
Eligibility depends on service and discharge status, and some family members qualify too. Check VA.gov for current rules or ask the scheduling office.
What is a DD-214?
The standard discharge document that serves as proof of military service. VA and cemeteries typically ask for it.
Does the VA pay for the funeral itself?
No. VA provides burial benefits such as a plot, marker and flag. A burial allowance may help with some costs. Check VA.gov for current terms.
Can a veteran be buried in a private cemetery and still get a marker?
In many cases yes. VA can provide a government marker for eligible veterans regardless of where they are buried. Confirm with VA.
Who arranges military honors?
Usually the funeral director requests them. Ask early so the date can be coordinated.
What are military funeral honors?
Military funeral honors are a ceremony that eligible veterans may receive at no charge, and they usually include the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the flag. At least two uniformed military members take part. The funeral director or family can request them through the Department of Defense, and the honors can be held at a cemetery or funeral service. What to do: ask your funeral director to arrange them, have the veteran's discharge papers ready, and confirm the date and time early so the honor guard can be scheduled.
Can a veteran be buried in a national cemetery?
Yes, eligible veterans can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no charge for the plot, opening and closing, and perpetual care, and their spouse and eligible dependents may also qualify. The family still pays for items such as the funeral home's services and transportation. Some national cemeteries are full, so availability varies, and a different cemetery may be closer to your family. Eligibility is based on service and discharge status. What to do: contact the National Cemetery Administration, have the veteran's discharge paperwork ready, and ask the funeral director to help schedule the burial with the cemetery.
Is there government help paying for a funeral?
Help from government sources is limited and varies by state and county, and it is usually modest. Some counties offer indigent burial or cremation assistance for families with very low income, and rules about eligibility and timing differ widely. Federal help is mostly limited to veterans' benefits and a small Social Security death payment for certain survivors. Apply before arrangements are finalized when possible. What to do: call your county social services office or ask a funeral director about local programs, and ask about eligibility rules before you sign a contract.
What burial allowances does the VA provide?
The Department of Veterans Affairs may pay a burial allowance toward funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans, and the amount depends on factors such as whether the death was service connected. Allowances are set by the VA and updated periodically, so check current figures. Separately, eligible veterans may be buried in a national cemetery at no charge for the plot, opening, closing, and care. What to do: contact the VA or a Veterans Service Organization, gather the discharge papers, and ask whether your loved one's service qualifies before you finalize arrangements.
Is crowdfunding a good way to pay for a funeral?
Crowdfunding can help many families, but it works best with care. Choose a reputable platform, read its fees, and be clear about the goal and how funds will be used. Share the link only with people you know, because fraudulent campaigns exist. Raising money does not replace comparing funeral prices. Check the platform's rules about how quickly funds are paid out, since funeral bills may be due before donations arrive. What to do: designate one family member to manage the campaign, keep receipts, and thank donors with a short update once the service is paid.
Who is responsible for paying for a funeral?
Generally, the person who signs the contract with the funeral home is responsible for paying, and the estate may reimburse that person if there are funds. Surviving relatives are not automatically responsible for the person's debts, but state laws vary, and a few have rules that can affect family members. Life insurance, pre-need plans, and benefits may help. What to ask: before you sign, ask who is named on the contract, whether a deposit is due, and whether the funeral home will work with insurance. Consider speaking with an attorney if you are unsure about your obligations in your state.
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