The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several burial and memorial benefits. Some are available in any cemetery, not only VA national cemeteries. This page summarizes them; confirm eligibility and current amounts at va.gov/burials-memorials.
Burial and plot allowances
The VA may pay a burial allowance and a plot or interment allowance toward funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans. Amounts differ for service-connected and non-service-connected deaths and are adjusted over time.
- Form: VA Form 21P-530EZ, Application for Burial Benefits
- Who applies: the person who paid the funeral or burial expenses, often a surviving spouse
- In some cases the VA pays an eligible surviving spouse automatically.
Headstones, markers and medallions
- A government headstone or marker is available for eligible veterans in any cemetery worldwide, at no charge. The family or cemetery pays any setting fee in a private cemetery.
- A medallion can be attached to a privately purchased headstone instead.
- Form: VA Form 40-1330 (headstone or marker) or 40-1330M (medallion). In a national cemetery, the cemetery orders it.
Burial flag
A U.S. flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran, and is then given to the next of kin. Funeral directors usually obtain the flag with VA Form 27-2008. Flags are also available at many post offices and VA offices.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
An engraved certificate signed by the current President honoring the veteran’s service. Families can request more than one copy. Form: VA Form 40-0247.
Burial in a VA national cemetery
Includes the gravesite (or niche), opening and closing, a grave liner, the government headstone or marker, and perpetual care, at no cost to the family. Spouses and dependents may also be eligible. See Florida veterans cemeteries.
Getting help
- Your funeral director
- Your county veterans service office
- Accredited veterans service organizations