A DEATH
HAS OCCURRED
An honorably discharged veteran is eligible to be buried in one of Veterans Affairs’ national cemeteries (as space allows) at no cost to the family. The government provides a headstone or marker, a U.S. flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military honors. Spouses and dependents may also be buried in a national cemetery along with the veteran or even before if they predecease the veteran.
Burial benefits available to veterans and their families can seem confusing. We have learned that veterans and their families often believe all funeral and burial costs are covered by the Veteran Affairs. While the VA does offer burial benefits to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses and dependents the organization does not cover all funeral/burial expenses, which the family would then be responsible for. These expenses can include, but are not limited to, a casket or urn, funeral director services, embalming, cremation, flowers, obituaries and more.
One of the reasons we see families select a private cemetery, such as The Arlington Memorial Gardens, is so the veteran and their family are assured they can all be buried at the same place.
Although many people confuse us with the Arlington National Cemetery, we are not a Veteran Affairs National Cemetery. If a veteran (or the veteran’s family) chooses Arlington Memorial Gardens, many burial benefits are provided at no cost to the family. These burial benefits include: the bronze memorial, headstone or marker, a U.S. flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military honors. Our funeral directors can arrange for these benefits. The burial space in a private cemetery is at the family’s expense.
Thank you for your service to this country. Thank you for your sacrifice, valor and dedication to keeping us safe. Our team would be honored to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding veteran burial benefits. We have also included below some important links from the Veteran Affairs regarding burial benefits.
VA Burial Benefits And Memorial Items | Veterans Affairs
How To Apply For A Veterans Burial Allowance | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
Burial In A Private Cemetery | Veterans Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – National Cemetery Administration (va.gov)
VA Survivors Pension | Veterans Affairs
Veterans Headstones, Markers, And Medallions | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)