Veterans Burial Benefits Guide

Generally, veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for VA burial benefits. This includes:

• •Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• •Members of the National Guard or Reserve who were called to active duty or who completed a minimum service requirement
• •Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans (for burial in a national cemetery)
• •In certain cases, adult dependent children with disabilities

The veteran's DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the primary document used to verify eligibility. If you cannot locate this document, you can request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center.

The VA operates 155 national cemeteries across the United States and its territories. Burial in a national cemetery is available at no cost to eligible veterans and includes:

• •A gravesite in a national cemetery with available space
• •Opening and closing of the grave
• •A government-furnished headstone or marker
• •A burial flag to drape the casket
• •Perpetual care of the gravesite

Military funeral honors, including a two-person detail to fold and present the flag and play Taps, are available upon request through the Department of Defense. The funeral home can help coordinate this.

The VA provides headstones, markers, and medallions to honor veterans, regardless of where they are buried:

The VA may pay a burial allowance to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs. The amount depends on the circumstances of the veteran's death:

Note: Burial allowance amounts are updated periodically by the VA. Check the current rates on the VA's official website or contact your local VA regional office.

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved certificate signed by the current President of the United States, expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's service. There is no cost for the certificate, and eligible family members may request multiple copies. The certificate is available for any deceased veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions.

You can request a PMC by submitting VA Form 40-0247 along with a copy of the veteran's DD-214 and proof of death. The request can be made online through the VA's website or by mail.

Many funeral homes are experienced in helping families apply for VA burial benefits and can handle much of the paperwork on your behalf. Here is an overview of the process:

1. 1Gather documentation. You will need the veteran's DD-214, death certificate, Social Security number, and any existing VA claim or file numbers.
2. 2Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to schedule burial in a national cemetery, or contact your preferred state or private cemetery.
3. 3File for burial allowance. Submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) online at VA.gov, by mail, or through a VA regional office. You generally have two years from the date of burial to file.
4. 4Request headstone or marker. Submit VA Form 40-1330 to order a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion.
5. 5Request a burial flag. VA Form 27-2008 can be completed at most VA regional offices, post offices, or by the funeral director.