National Cemetery Burial: How to Bury a Veteran in a Federal Cemetery for Free

One of the most overlooked benefits available to veterans' families is the right to burial in a national cemetery at no cost. No opening fee, no closing fee, no liner cost, no perpetual care fee. For families facing a funeral bill of $8,000 or more, this benefit can change everything.

Who Is Eligible?

Any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible. This includes veterans from every branch and every era. Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans are also eligible for burial in a national cemetery, even if they predecease the veteran.

What Is Included at No Cost?

The following are provided at no charge: opening and closing of the grave, a burial liner or vault, a government-provided headstone or grave marker, perpetual care of the gravesite, and scheduling and coordination services. The family is responsible for the cost of the funeral service itself and transportation to the cemetery.

Finding a National Cemetery

There are 155 national cemeteries across 42 states and Puerto Rico. You can search by state or zip code at va.gov/burials-memorials/find-a-cemetery or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

State Veterans Cemeteries

Most states operate their own veterans cemeteries, also at little or no cost. Check your state's Department of Veterans Affairs website for locations and eligibility requirements.

How to Schedule a Burial

Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 as soon as possible after the veteran's death. You will need the veteran's full name, dates of birth and death, Social Security number, and DD-214. Most national cemeteries can accommodate scheduling within a few days to two weeks.

The Pre-Need Program

The VA Pre-Need Eligibility program allows veterans and spouses to apply for burial eligibility before death occurs. An advance determination means the family does not have to prove eligibility during a time of grief. Apply by submitting VA Form 40-10007 at va.gov or by mail.

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