Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
Veterans burial benefits may help cover funeral, burial, and transportation expenses associated with a veteran’s final arrangements. Families of veterans buried in a national cemetery may also receive assistance with burial costs, plot or interment expenses, and transportation of the veteran’s remains.
Claims for non-service-connected burial allowances must be filed within two years of the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to apply for service-connected burial benefits, plot allowances, or interment benefits. Applications can be submitted online through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Burial Benefits Application or by mailing the completed VA Form 21P-530.
Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, as well as service members who passed away while on active duty, may qualify for a government-issued headstone or grave marker. Eligibility details can be found on the VA Headstones, Markers & Medallions Page.
The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides headstones or markers for unmarked graves of eligible veterans at no cost. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, complete VA Form 10-1330 and mail it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For additional information about burial benefits and memorial items, visit the VA Burial & Memorial Benefits Website or call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
