Veterans' funeral and burial benefits, explained

A veteran's service can entitle the family to meaningful funeral and burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They can substantially reduce costs and add a dignified, official recognition of service. The benefits below apply to most veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge; the VA sets the exact eligibility rules and amounts, so confirm current details with them.

Burial in a VA national cemetery

Eligible veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost to the family. That generally includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual care of the grave. A spouse and eligible dependents can often be buried there as well. Burial in a private cemetery is also possible, with some benefits still available.

Headstone, marker, or medallion

The VA provides a government headstone or grave markerfor an eligible veteran at no cost, whether buried in a national or private cemetery. For a veteran buried in a private cemetery with a privately purchased headstone, the VA also offers a bronze medallion to affix to it, denoting the person's veteran status.

The burial flag

The VA furnishes a United States burial flag at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran. After the service it is presented to the next of kin as a keepsake. A funeral director can usually obtain the flag, or it can be requested at a VA regional office or many post offices.

Military funeral honors

Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honorsat no cost. The core ceremony — required by law — includes folding and presenting the burial flag and the playing of Taps by at least two uniformed members of the armed forces. The funeral director typically requests honors on the family's behalf through the relevant branch of service.

Burial and plot allowances

Some families qualify for monetary burial and plot allowances that help offset funeral and cemetery costs. These are most commonly available when the death was service-connected, occurred in a VA facility, or the veteran was receiving VA benefits. These are partial allowances rather than full reimbursement, and the amounts are set and periodically updated by the VA.

How to claim the benefits

• Gather the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214) to establish eligibility.
• Tell the funeral director the deceased was a veteran — they can request honors and the flag.
• Contact the VA or a national cemetery to arrange burial and a headstone or marker.
• Ask the VA whether the family qualifies for burial or plot allowances.

Veterans' benefits can be combined with the planning steps in our guide to paying for a funeral, and the planning checklist can help you keep the paperwork together.

Even when VA benefits cover part of the cost, the funeral home is bound by the FTC Funeral Rule: you are entitled to an itemized price list and may buy only the goods and services you want. Tell the provider about the burial flag, honors, and any national-cemetery plans so they are not duplicated on your bill.