Veterans’ Family Member Burial Benefits

burials and memorials

Share this Page

Veterans’ Family Member Burial Benefits Eligibility Overview

VA honors many spouses, dependents, and survivors of eligible Veterans with a final resting place in one of 155 VA national cemeteries maintained by VA throughout the United States. Benefits may include burial with the Veteran, the inscription of name and date of birth and death on the headstone and perpetual care of the gravesite. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery even if their Veteran loved one is not buried or memorialized in a VA national cemetery, or if their death occurs before the Veteran’s.

Lean for more information about burial eligibility for Veterans’ family members.

Learn more about other VA benefits for Veterans’ family members.

How to Apply

To find out in advance if a Veteran or family member is eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, click “Apply for Pre-Need Burial Eligibility” to fill out and submit the application.

Apply for Pre-Need Burial Eligibility

If pre-need eligibility has not been determined, upon the death of the Veteran or his or her spouse or dependent (also called the time of need), family members should locate the Veteran’s DD-214 or other discharge papers if readily available and click “Schedule a Burial” to begin the process. Then make arrangements with a funeral home, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, or directly with a VA national cemetery.

Schedule a burial

Explore VA Benefits

Eligibility

Some benefits may also be used by active service members, reservists, and National Guard members as well as eligible spouses, children, and survivors of Veterans and service members. Consult the VA benefits booklet or visit the nearest VA regional office for character of discharge requirements and more detailed information.

Veterans’ Family Member Burial Benefits