Veteran Funeral Benefits in New York (2026 Guide)

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

New York is home to approximately 740,000 veterans and has six VA national cemeteries spread across the state, from Long Island to western New York. Veterans in New York 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 New York

Name	City	Status
Bath National Cemetery	Bath	open
Calverton National Cemetery	Calverton	open
Cypress Hills National Cemetery	Brooklyn	cremation-only
Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery	Schuylerville	open
Long Island National Cemetery	Farmingdale	cremation-only
Woodlawn National Cemetery	Elmira	closed

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

State Veterans Cemeteries in New York

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

New York Veterans Benefits

New York offers property tax exemptions for veterans with different tiers for wartime service, combat zone service, and disability. The state provides free college tuition for children of deceased or disabled veterans through the Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) program. New York also exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.

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 New York

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 New York 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 New York

Every eligible veteran in New York 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 New York

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 New York have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in New York

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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 New York?

New York has six VA national cemeteries: Bath, Calverton, Cypress Hills in Brooklyn, Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga in Schuylerville, Long Island in Farmingdale, and Woodlawn in Elmira. Bath, Calverton, and Saratoga are fully open for new burials.

What state veterans benefits are available in New York?

New York offers tiered property tax exemptions for veterans, free college tuition for children of deceased or disabled veterans through the MERIT program, and a military retirement pay income tax exemption.

How do I arrange a military funeral in New York?

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 New York 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 New York?

New York is served by the New York Regional Office in New York City and the Buffalo Regional Office. You can reach either at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.