Veterans Funeral Benefits: What's Covered in 2026
The short answer: Veterans are entitled to significant funeral benefits, including up to $2,000+ in burial allowances, free burial in national cemeteries, and government-provided headstones. The exact amount depends on how the veteran died and where they're buried.
Even veterans who served decades ago — and their spouses — may qualify for thousands of dollars in benefits that many families don't know exist. These benefits can cover a substantial portion of funeral costs, but you need to know what's available and how to apply.
This guide explains every benefit available to veteran families in 2026.
VA Burial Allowance Amounts (2026)
The VA provides burial allowances that vary based on the circumstances of death:
| Type of Death | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death | $2,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Non-service-connected death | $893 | $893 | $1,786 |
| Death in VA hospital | $893 | $893 | $1,786 |
| Hospitalized at VA when died | Up to $893 | $893 | $1,786 |
What These Terms Mean
Service-connected death: The death was caused by, or significantly contributed to by, a service-related injury or illness. This includes deaths from conditions that developed years after service but were caused by military service.
Non-service-connected death: The veteran died of causes unrelated to their military service, but was receiving VA disability compensation or would have been eligible for it.
Death in VA hospital: The veteran died while receiving care at a VA medical facility.
Important: These amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. The 2026 amounts listed here reflect the most recent increases.
National Cemetery Burial Benefits
Veterans (and their spouses and dependent children) are eligible for burial in any of the 155+ VA national cemeteries — at no cost to the family.
What's Included at No Cost
- Gravesite in a national cemetery
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- Government headstone or marker
- Burial flag (folded and presented to family)
- Presidential Memorial Certificate (upon request)
What's NOT Included
- Transportation to the cemetery
- Funeral home services (embalming, viewing, etc.)
- Casket or cremation container
- Flowers or other decorations
Eligibility for National Cemetery Burial
Veterans who qualify:
- Died on active duty
- Completed at least one enlistment or served until discharged for disability
- Served as an officer and completed the required period of service
- Received an honorable or general discharge (not dishonorable)
Family members who qualify:
- Spouse: Can be buried even if they predecease the veteran
- Minor children: Under age 21 (or under 23 if full-time student)
- Adult disabled children: If became disabled before age 21
Note: Space availability varies by cemetery. Some popular locations may have waiting periods or restrictions.
VA Headstone and Marker Benefits
The VA provides headstones and markers for eligible veterans at no cost — whether they're buried in national cemeteries, private cemeteries, or family plots.
Types Available
| Type | Material Options | Where It Can Be Used |
|---|---|---|
| Flat markers | Granite, marble, bronze | Any cemetery |
| Upright headstones | Granite, marble | Any cemetery |
| Niche markers | Granite, marble | Columbarium niches |
| Memorial markers | Granite, marble | When remains aren't recoverable |
What's Included
- Standard inscription: Name, dates, military branch, rank, war service
- Military emblems: Branch insignia, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, etc.
- Religious emblems: Over 70 approved symbols available
- Delivery to cemetery
What's NOT Included
- Installation/setting: Usually costs $200–$400
- Cemetery foundation requirements: May add $100–$300
- Custom artwork or photos: Not available on government markers
- Rush delivery: Standard processing is 6–8 weeks
How to Apply for Headstones
Form: VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) Required documents:
- Copy of veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)
- Death certificate
- Cemetery section and plot information
Processing time: 6–8 weeks from application to delivery
Burial Flag Benefits
Every veteran is entitled to a burial flag — the same type that flies over the Capitol.
What You Receive
- American flag (cotton or wool, depending on availability)
- Flag folded in military tradition (13 folds into triangle)
- Presented to family at graveside or memorial service
How to Get the Flag
At time of death:
- Funeral homes can usually obtain the flag for you
- VFW, American Legion, and other veteran organizations can help
- VA offices can provide flags directly
Required: Copy of veteran's discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent)
Cost: Free to all veterans with honorable discharge
Military Funeral Honors
Veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, separate from VA burial benefits.
Standard Military Honors Include
- Flag-folding ceremony and presentation to family
- Playing of Taps (live bugler when available, recorded when not)
- Honor guard of at least two uniformed military personnel
Enhanced Honors (for eligible veterans)
- Firing party (rifle volley)
- Larger honor guard
- Live bugler
- Additional ceremonial elements
How to Request
Through funeral home: Most funeral homes can coordinate military honors Directly: Contact your local military base or veteran service organization Timing: Request at least 48 hours in advance when possible
Cost: Free for all eligible veterans
VA Life Insurance for Funeral Costs
Veterans may have VA life insurance policies that can help cover funeral costs:
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Coverage: Up to $400,000 for active duty
- Continues: 120 days after separation (can be converted)
- Automatic payout: To designated beneficiaries
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Coverage: Up to $400,000 (convertible from SGLI)
- Eligibility: Veterans with SGLI coverage
- Premium: Based on age, paid by veteran
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
- Coverage: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Premium: Below market rates
Check with VA: Many veterans have policies they've forgotten about. The VA can help locate existing coverage.
How to Apply for All Benefits
Required Documents (Keep Copies)
- DD-214: Veteran's discharge papers (most important document)
- Death certificate: Certified copy from vital records
- Marriage certificate: For spouse benefits
- Children's birth certificates: For dependent benefits
Where to Apply
VA Regional Offices: Full-service application assistance Funeral homes: Many can help with basic applications Veteran Service Organizations: Free help with complex cases Online: VA.gov for some benefits
Timeline for Benefits
Burial allowance: 2–6 months after application National cemetery burial: Must be arranged before burial Headstone: 6–8 weeks from application to delivery Flag: Available immediately with proper documentation
State Veteran Benefits
Many states offer additional veteran funeral benefits beyond federal VA benefits:
Common State Benefits
- Additional burial allowances ($500–$2,000+)
- State veteran cemeteries (often with shorter waiting lists)
- Tax exemptions on funeral purchases
- Transportation assistance to national cemeteries
Examples by State
California: Up to $2,000 additional burial benefit Texas: Free burial in state veteran cemeteries Florida: $2,000 burial allowance plus plot allowance New York: $6,000 burial allowance for certain veterans
Check your state: Contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for specific benefits available in your area.
Combining VA Benefits with Private Arrangements
You can use VA benefits alongside private funeral arrangements:
Typical Combination
VA benefits cover:
- Burial plot (national cemetery) OR burial allowance (private cemetery)
- Headstone
- Military honors
- Flag
Families pay for:
- Funeral home services (viewing, embalming, etc.)
- Casket or cremation container
- Transportation
- Flowers and other personal touches
Result: Total funeral costs reduced by $2,000–$4,000+ depending on benefits received.
What to Do First When a Veteran Dies
Immediate Steps (First 24–48 Hours)
- Contact funeral home — they can help coordinate many benefits
- Locate DD-214 — you'll need this for everything
- Decide on national cemetery vs. private burial
- Request military funeral honors (48-hour notice preferred)
Within First Week
- Apply for burial allowance (VA Form 21P-530)
- Order burial flag (through funeral home or VA)
- Apply for headstone if using private cemetery (VA Form 40-1330)
Within First Month
- Apply for dependency and indemnity compensation (if applicable)
- Check for VA life insurance payouts
- Research state veteran benefits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Assume You Don't Qualify
Many families think: "He only served two years" or "That was so long ago" Reality: Even brief service with honorable discharge usually qualifies for basic benefits
Don't Wait Too Long
Burial allowance: Apply within 2 years of death National cemetery burial: Must be arranged before burial Headstone: No time limit, but earlier is better
Don't Pay for Things VA Provides Free
Common mistake: Buying expensive headstones when VA provides quality ones free Better approach: Use VA headstone and spend savings on other meaningful touches
Don't Forget About Spouses
Spouses receive: Burial in national cemetery, headstone eligibility Benefit: Can save $2,000–$5,000+ on spouse's eventual funeral
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a veteran with a dishonorable discharge get benefits?
Generally no, but there are exceptions. Other than honorable, bad conduct, and general discharges may still qualify for some benefits. Contact the VA for a determination.
What if the veteran's DD-214 is lost?
The VA can help you obtain copies. You can also request them online at ebenefits.va.gov or by mail using Standard Form 180.
Can cremated veterans be buried in national cemeteries?
Yes. National cemeteries have columbarium niches for cremated remains, and many allow burial of cremated remains in regular gravesites.
Do National Guard and Reserve members qualify?
Yes, if they completed at least 20 years of service or were activated for federal service and received an honorable discharge.
What if the veteran remarries?
The veteran's burial benefits are unaffected. The new spouse may be eligible for burial in the national cemetery plot, but the previous spouse loses eligibility unless already buried there.
Are there income limits for VA burial benefits?
No income limits for burial in national cemeteries or for headstones. The burial allowance has no income limit if the death was service-connected; otherwise, it's based on VA disability ratings or hospital status.
Last updated: February 2026. Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements based on current VA regulations. Check VA.gov or contact your local VA office for the most current information and assistance with applications.