Veterans Funeral Benefits

Veterans have benefits related to their death and the death of their immediate families. The benefits differ depending on whether they are buried in a national or a private cemetery. In any of the 120 national cemeteries, all veterans who request it are buried without cost to them. They are entitled to a grave marker, and are not charged for opening the grave, closing the grave, for vault or liner, or for setting the marker. This also applies if cremation is chosen, and if the remains are inurned or buried. The immediate families of veterans are buried next to their spouse or parent and their graves receive perpetual care at no cost. Though they do not receive free markers, the names and dates of birth and death are inscribed on the headstones of the veterans at no cost.

If a veteran chooses to be buried in a private cemetery, he or she is entitled to a headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. These are all free. The families of veterans receive no benefits when buried in a private cemetery.

The grave markers provided by the national cemetery directors are available in bronze, marble or granite. The headstones are available in marble and granite. For cremated remains, Niche markers are also available.

How To Request Benefits

In order to request benefits at the time of need, the funeral director should contact the national cemetery in which the family desires the deceased to be buried. Unfortunately, veterans cannot reserve grave sites in advance. So this cannot be a part of a pre-planning effort. If the veteran is to be buried in a private cemetery, his or her family should complete the Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veteran's Cemetery, VA Form 40-1330. Ideally, the veteran or family would complete this form in advance and place it together with the discharge papers, where it can be easily accessed at the time of need.