Veteran Funeral Benefits in Minnesota (2026 Guide)

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

Minnesota is home to approximately 330,000 veterans and has the historic Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis plus three state-run veterans cemeteries. Veterans in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Name	City	Status
Fort Snelling National Cemetery	Minneapolis	open

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

State Veterans Cemeteries in Minnesota

Name	City
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery	Little Falls
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Duluth	Duluth
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Preston	Preston

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

Minnesota Veterans Benefits

Minnesota offers property tax exclusions for disabled veterans and exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. The state operates three state veterans cemeteries at Little Falls, Duluth, and Preston. Minnesota also provides free tuition at state colleges for veterans and preference in state 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 Minnesota

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 St. Paul 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 Minnesota

Every eligible veteran in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

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 Minnesota have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Minnesota

View all cities with funeral homes

Full Directory by State

Browse funeral homes in all 50 states

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 Minnesota?

Minnesota has one VA national cemetery: Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, one of the busiest national cemeteries in the country. It is open for new burials. The state also operates three state veterans cemeteries.

What state veterans benefits are available in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers property tax exclusions for disabled veterans, military retirement pay income tax exemption, three state veterans cemeteries, free tuition at state colleges for veterans, and preference in state employment.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Minnesota?

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 a Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

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