Veteran Funeral Benefits in Illinois (2026 Guide)

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

Illinois is home to approximately 620,000 veterans and has seven VA national cemeteries spread across the state, including the large Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet. Veterans in Illinois 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 Illinois

Name	City	Status
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery	Elwood	open
Alton National Cemetery	Alton	closed
Camp Butler National Cemetery	Springfield	open
Danville National Cemetery	Danville	open
Mound City National Cemetery	Mound City	closed
Quincy National Cemetery	Quincy	closed
Rock Island National Cemetery	Rock Island	open

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

State Veterans Cemeteries in Illinois

Illinois does not currently operate a state veterans cemetery. Veterans in Illinois are eligible for burial in any VA national cemetery at no cost.

Illinois Veterans Benefits

Illinois offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and provides a standard $5,000 homestead exemption for returning veterans. The state exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Illinois also offers the Illinois Veterans' Grant for tuition at state universities and the MIA/POW Scholarship for dependents of veterans.

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 Illinois

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 Chicago 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 Illinois

Every eligible veteran in Illinois 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 Illinois

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 Illinois have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Illinois

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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 Illinois?

Illinois has seven VA national cemeteries: Abraham Lincoln in Elwood, Alton, Camp Butler in Springfield, Danville, Mound City, Quincy, and Rock Island. Abraham Lincoln, Camp Butler, Danville, and Rock Island are open for new burials.

What state veterans benefits are available in Illinois?

Illinois offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, a $5,000 homestead exemption for returning veterans, state income tax exemption for military retirement pay, the Illinois Veterans' Grant for tuition, and the MIA/POW Scholarship.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Illinois?

Contact your funeral home director, who will coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 for national cemetery burials. Military honors can be requested through the Department of Defense by calling 800-827-1000.

Can my spouse be buried with me in an Illinois VA cemetery?

Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in a VA national cemetery at no cost. The spouse does not need to be a veteran to qualify for this benefit.

Where is the closest VA regional office in Illinois?

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