Veteran Funeral Benefits in Connecticut (2026 Guide)

By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026

Connecticut is home to approximately 190,000 veterans. While the state has no VA national cemeteries, it operates two state veterans cemeteries and is served by the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Veterans in Connecticut qualify for up to $2,000 in federal burial benefits for service-connected deaths, plus free burial in any VA national cemetery with a government headstone, burial flag, and military honors.

2026 VA Burial Benefit Amounts

Benefit Category	2026 Amount	Notes
Service-connected death	$2,000	No time limit to file
Non-service-connected (VA hospitalized)	$1,002	Must file within 2 years of burial
Non-service-connected (not hospitalized)	$300	Must file within 2 years of burial
Plot or interment allowance	$1,002	When not buried in a national cemetery
Headstone or marker allowance	Up to $441	For already-purchased private headstone

These are federal benefits available to all eligible veterans regardless of state. For a detailed breakdown of what costs are and are not reimbursed, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

VA National Cemeteries in Connecticut

There are no VA national cemeteries located in Connecticut. Veterans in Connecticut may use any VA national cemetery in any state. The closest options are typically in neighboring states. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 for assistance.

For full eligibility details, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

State Veterans Cemeteries in Connecticut

Name	City
Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery	Middletown
Colonel Raymond F. Gates Veterans Cemetery	Rocky Hill

Note: State veterans cemeteries may have residency requirements. Contact the cemetery directly to confirm eligibility before making arrangements.

Connecticut Veterans Benefits

Connecticut offers property tax exemptions for veterans and additional exemptions for disabled veterans. The state operates two state veterans cemeteries in Middletown and Rocky Hill. Connecticut also provides free college tuition for children of veterans who died in service or are 100% disabled, and offers a veterans' preference in state and municipal employment.

Eligibility Requirements

VA burial benefits are available to veterans who meet the following criteria:

Served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
For veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or officers who entered service after October 16, 1981, a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty is required (or the full period for which they were called to active duty).
Reservists and National Guard members who were activated under federal orders and completed their service period are eligible.
Spouses, surviving spouses, and minor children of eligible veterans also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.

For full eligibility details including dependent rules, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits in Connecticut

1. Gather documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and burial receipts from the funeral home and cemetery.
2. File VA Form 21P-530EZ. This is the Application for Burial Benefits. You can file online at va.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, American Legion, or DAV.
3. For national cemetery burial. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home can also make this call on the family's behalf.
4. Get local assistance. Contact Hartford Regional Office at 800-827-1000 for help with your claim or to connect with a local VSO.

For a complete walkthrough of the application process, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

Military Funeral Honors in Connecticut

Every eligible veteran in Connecticut is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. Standard honors include a minimum of two uniformed service members who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin and play Taps. Full honors, available for some veterans based on rank and service, may include a rifle volley, a color guard, and a military chaplain.

Honors are typically requested through the funeral home, which contacts the appropriate military branch. Families can also request honors directly by calling the Department of Defense at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667).

For details on what each branch provides, see our Military Funeral Honors guide.

Find Funeral Homes in Connecticut

When choosing a funeral home for a veteran, ask whether they routinely handle military funerals and whether they can assist with the DD-214, military honors requests, VA cemetery coordination, and burial flag. Many funeral homes in Connecticut have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Connecticut

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Full Directory by State

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Looking for the complete guide? See our Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide for detailed information about burial allowances, headstone applications, burial flags, and survivor benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many VA national cemeteries are in Connecticut?

Connecticut does not have any VA national cemeteries within its borders. The nearest VA national cemetery is the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. However, Connecticut operates two state veterans cemeteries in Middletown and Rocky Hill.

What state veterans benefits are available in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers property tax exemptions for veterans and disabled veterans, two state veterans cemeteries, free college tuition for children of veterans who died in service or are 100% disabled, and veterans' preference in state and municipal employment.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Connecticut?

Contact your funeral home director, who can help arrange burial at a Connecticut state veterans cemetery or coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 for national cemetery burials. Military honors can be requested by calling 800-827-1000.

Can my spouse be buried with me in a Connecticut veterans cemetery?

Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in both VA national cemeteries and Connecticut state veterans cemeteries at no cost or reduced cost.

Where is the closest VA regional office in Connecticut?

The VA regional office serving Connecticut is the Hartford Regional Office located in Hartford, CT. You can reach them at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.