Veteran Burial Benefits: A Gentle Guide for Families

Veteran burial benefits exist to honor the service of those who served our country, and to ease some of the weight on their families. If you have lost a veteran, you may be trying to make arrangements while grieving deeply. Learning what support may be available can bring a measure of comfort and help you plan a farewell that reflects their service.

Obituary Oasis was founded by veterans of the Air Force, Marines, and Army, so this topic is close to our hearts. This guide offers a general overview. Eligibility rules can be detailed, so please confirm your family's situation directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

What Are Veteran Burial Benefits?

The VA offers several benefits for eligible veterans and, in some cases, their spouses and dependents. Depending on eligibility, these may include:

• Burial in a VA national cemetery, including the gravesite and opening and closing of the grave

• A government headstone, marker, or medallion

• A burial flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn

• A Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring the veteran's service

• A burial allowance to help with funeral and burial costs, for some veterans

Some states also operate veterans cemeteries, and some offer their own benefits. Your state's veterans affairs office can tell you more.

These benefits are not automatic in every case. Families or funeral directors usually need to request them, so it helps to ask early, ideally before final arrangements are set. If you are unsure where to start, a single call to the VA can point you toward the right forms and next steps.

Who May Be Eligible for VA Burial Benefits?

Eligibility usually depends on the veteran's service and discharge status. Many veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge may qualify for at least some benefits. Service members who die on active duty are generally eligible as well.

Because the rules have many details, the best next step is to check with the VA directly. You can find information on VA.gov or by contacting the VA by phone. A funeral director, especially one experienced with veteran services, can often help you with the request.

Documents to Gather

Having paperwork ready can make the process smoother:

1. Discharge papers: Often the DD Form 214 or an equivalent record of service.

2. Death certificate: Our guide on how to get a death certificate explains the steps.

3. Personal details: Full name, Social Security number, dates of birth and death, and branch of service.

4. Family information: Details about a surviving spouse or dependents, if applicable.

5. Cemetery preferences: Whether your family prefers a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery.

If you cannot find discharge papers, the VA or the National Archives may be able to help you request records.

Honoring a veteran's service is a gift to the generations who follow. Let others help carry the details so you can focus on saying goodbye.

How Do Military Funeral Honors Fit In?

Military funeral honors are separate from burial benefits, but many families request both. Honors often include the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps. Our guide to military funeral honors explains what families can expect and how to ask.

Can You Plan Ahead?

Yes. The VA offers a pre-need eligibility process that lets veterans find out ahead of time whether they qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery. Planning ahead can spare loved ones uncertainty later. Our article on pre-planning a funeral shares more ideas.

Ways to Honor Their Service

Beyond formal benefits, families often find meaningful ways to celebrate a veteran's life:

• Share stories from their service in the obituary or eulogy

• Display medals, photos, or a folded flag at the service

• Invite fellow veterans or members of a local veterans group to attend

• Add their name and story to a veterans memorial wall online

Obituary Oasis offers free obituaries for military members who were killed in action or were on active duty at the time of their death, as one small way of saying thank you.

If grief feels overwhelming, please reach out. In the United States, you can call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, available to veterans and the people who love them.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is burial in a national cemetery free for veterans?

For eligible veterans, burial in a VA national cemetery generally comes at no cost to the family for the gravesite and related services. Funeral home costs are usually separate.

Can a spouse be buried with a veteran?

In many cases, eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery. Check with the VA for your family's situation.

How do we request a burial flag?

Families can usually request a burial flag through the VA, and funeral directors often help with the request.

What if the veteran is buried in a private cemetery?

Some benefits, such as a government headstone or marker and a burial flag, may still be available. Confirm details with the VA.