Veteran Funeral Benefits in Ohio (2026 Guide)

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

Ohio is home to approximately 730,000 veterans and has two VA national cemeteries at Dayton and Ohio Western Reserve in Rittman. Veterans in Ohio 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 Ohio

Name	City	Status
Dayton National Cemetery	Dayton	open
Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery	Rittman	open

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

State Veterans Cemeteries in Ohio

Name	City
Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery	Sandusky

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

Ohio Veterans Benefits

Ohio offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans through the homestead exemption program. The state provides free license plates for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Ohio also offers a state income tax deduction for military retirement pay and preference in public employment for 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 Ohio

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 Cleveland 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 Ohio

Every eligible veteran in Ohio 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 Ohio

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 Ohio have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Ohio

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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 Ohio?

Ohio has two VA national cemeteries: Dayton National Cemetery and Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. Both are open for new burials.

What state veterans benefits are available in Ohio?

Ohio offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans through the homestead exemption, free license plates for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, a state income tax deduction for military retirement pay, and preference in public employment.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Ohio?

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 Ohio 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 Ohio?

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