Veterans and, in many cases, their spouses and dependents may be eligible for burial and memorial benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense. Eligibility depends on service and discharge details, so treat this page as an overview and confirm with the VA.
Benefits at a glance
| Benefit | Who provides it | How to request |
|---|---|---|
| Military funeral honors (flag folding and presentation, Taps) | Department of Defense | Usually requested by the funeral director |
| Burial in a VA national cemetery (gravesite, opening and closing, liner, marker, perpetual care) | VA National Cemetery Administration | National Cemetery Scheduling Office, usually through the funeral director |
| Government headstone, marker or medallion | VA | VA Form 40-1330 or 40-1330M |
| Burial flag | VA | VA Form 27-2008 (funeral directors usually obtain it) |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | VA | VA Form 40-0247 |
| Burial and plot allowances (for eligible veterans) | VA | VA Form 21P-530EZ |
Allowance amounts change and depend on whether the death was service-connected. Check current figures on the VA burial benefits site.
Guides
- Military funeral honors
- VA burial benefits: allowances, flags, headstones and certificates
- Florida veterans cemeteries near Orlando
- How to replace a DD214
The most important document: the DD214
Most benefits require proof of service, usually the veteran’s discharge papers (DD Form 214 or an equivalent). If you cannot find it, the funeral director can often still begin arrangements while you request a copy. See how to replace a DD214.
Planning ahead
Veterans can apply for a pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery (VA Form 40-10007). A determination on file makes arrangements simpler for the family later.
How funeral homes help
Funeral directors commonly request military funeral honors, schedule burial in a national cemetery, obtain the burial flag, and help the family with VA forms. Bring the DD214 to the arrangement meeting.
Other help
- County veterans service officers help veterans and families with VA claims at no charge.
- VA benefits hotline: see va.gov for current contact numbers.
This page is general information. OrlandoFuneralServices.com is an information resource, not a funeral home. Editorial policy.