A complete 2026 guide to VA burial allowances, national cemetery eligibility, military funeral honors, and how to apply.
Amounts shown apply to deaths on or after October 1, 2024, and are adjusted annually for inflation.
The VA operates 155 national cemeteries across the United States. Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children can be buried at no cost. Benefits include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, perpetual care, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
To check eligibility, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 or visit va.gov/burials-memorials.
Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. By law, an honors detail consists of at least two uniformed military personnel, one from the veteran's parent service branch.
Request military funeral honors through the funeral home, which will coordinate with the appropriate service branch.
The Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President honoring the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran. Multiple certificates can be requested at no cost. Apply with VA Form 40-0247 along with a copy of the veteran's discharge papers.
In addition to VA national cemeteries, most states operate their own state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, but most provide free or low-cost burial for eligible veterans and their dependents. Contact your state veterans affairs office for details.
Most veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for VA burial benefits. This includes burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Spouses and dependent children may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
For service-connected deaths, the VA pays up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. For non-service-connected deaths, eligible veterans receive up to $796 for burial and funeral expenses, plus an additional $796 plot allowance if not buried in a national cemetery (for deaths on or after October 1, 2024). Amounts are adjusted annually for inflation.
Yes. Eligible veterans receive a gravesite in any of the 155 VA national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the family.
File VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) along with the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), the death certificate, and itemized funeral expense receipts. Most funeral homes will help families file this paperwork, or you can apply online at va.gov.
Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. This includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of Taps by at least two uniformed military personnel, one of whom is from the veteran's parent service branch. Request honors through the funeral home.
Yes. Spouses, surviving spouses (even if remarried), and minor or disabled adult children of eligible veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery, even if they predecease the veteran. There is no charge for the gravesite, opening and closing, or perpetual care.