Veteran Funeral Benefits in Vermont (2026 Guide)
By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026
Vermont is home to approximately 42,000 veterans. While the state has no VA national cemeteries, it operates the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Randolph Center and is served by the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Veterans in Vermont 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 Vermont
There are no VA national cemeteries located in Vermont. Veterans in Vermont 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 Vermont
| Name | City |
|---|---|
| Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery | Randolph Center |
Note: State veterans cemeteries may have residency requirements. Contact the cemetery directly to confirm eligibility before making arrangements.
Vermont Veterans Benefits
Vermont offers property tax exemptions for veterans and additional exemptions for disabled veterans. The state operates the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Randolph Center. Vermont also provides free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans and preference in state 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 Vermont
- 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 White River Junction 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 Vermont
Every eligible veteran in Vermont 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 Vermont
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 Vermont have experience serving military families.
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 Vermont?
Vermont does not have any VA national cemeteries within its borders. The nearest VA national cemetery is the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. The state operates the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Randolph Center.
What state veterans benefits are available in Vermont?
Vermont offers property tax exemptions for veterans and disabled veterans, a state veterans memorial cemetery at Randolph Center, free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans, and preference in state employment.
How do I arrange a military funeral in Vermont?
Contact your funeral home director, who can arrange burial at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Randolph Center or coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. Military honors can be requested by calling 800-827-1000.
Can my spouse be buried with me in a Vermont veterans cemetery?
Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Contact the cemetery directly for eligibility and arrangements.
Where is the closest VA regional office in Vermont?
The VA regional office serving Vermont is the White River Junction Regional Office located in White River Junction, VT. You can reach them at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.
Related Reading
Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide
Full overview of every VA burial benefit available to veterans and families.
VA Burial Allowance 2026
Exact amounts, eligibility, and how to file Form 21P-530EZ.
Military Funeral Honors
What honors include, how to request, and differences by branch.
Funeral Industry Glossary
115 funeral terms explained in plain language.
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