After a loss

Veterans burial benefits

Free burial in a national cemetery, a headstone, and some money toward costs.

Current as of October 2026. Laws and figures can change — see full disclaimer.

Many veterans, and often their spouses and dependent children, qualify for burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Families sometimes don't claim them because they don't know they exist.

What's commonly available

• Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, including the grave, digging and filling it (called opening and closing), a liner, a headstone and ongoing care
• A government headstone, marker or medallion, even for burial in a private cemetery
• A burial flag
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate
• Military funeral honors, usually requested through the funeral home

Money toward costs

The VA may pay an allowance toward burial and funeral costs. For deaths connected to military service, it's up to $2,000. For other deaths on or after October 1, 2026, it's up to $1,032, plus up to $1,032 toward a plot if the veteran isn't buried in a national cemetery. These amounts change each October, and eligibility rules apply.

Claims for deaths not connected to service generally have to be filed within two years. Families usually apply on VA Form 21P-530EZ.

Planning ahead

Veterans can apply for a pre-need eligibility decision, meaning the VA confirms ahead of time that they qualify for burial in a national cemetery. A copy of the discharge papers, often a DD-214, kept with the plan makes this much easier.