Part of it. The VA gives a free burial in a national cemetery to eligible Veterans, and some families get a burial allowance. Funeral home costs are on the family.
In a VA national cemetery, the VA gives a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, care of the grave forever, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. The family pays nothing for these.
The funeral home is not covered. The VA says items and services from a funeral home or crematory are at the family's cost.
A burial allowance may help. If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2026, the VA pays up to $1,032 for burial and $1,032 for a plot. For a death caused by service on or after September 11, 2001, the allowance can be up to $2,000.
Not every Veteran's family gets the allowance. The VA lists rules, like a death from a service connected disability, death while in VA care, or getting VA pension or compensation at death.
Spouses and some children can be buried with the Veteran. Their name and dates go on the Veteran's headstone at no cost.
- Gravesite in a national cemetery
- Headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Burial and plot allowance if you qualify
More questions
How long do I have to apply for the allowance?
If the death was not service connected, apply within 2 years after burial. For a service connected death, there is no time limit.
Can my spouse be buried with me?
Yes. The VA says eligible spouses and dependents can be buried in a national cemetery, even if they die first.
