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    National Cemetery Burial

    Free for veterans. Honors service.

    What's included FREE

    • Gravesite at any national cemetery with space.
    • Opening + closing of grave.
    • Government headstone or marker.
    • Burial flag (3x5 ft, given to family).
    • Presidential Memorial Certificate.
    • Military funeral honors (folding flag, taps).
    • Spouse + dependents may also be buried with vet.
    • Approximately $7K-12K saved.

    Eligibility

    • Honorable / general discharge.
    • Active duty 24+ months OR full term.
    • Reservists with 20 years qualifying service.
    • Recipients of Purple Heart or other awards.
    • Spouses + minor children eligible.
    • Adult disabled children sometimes eligible.

    Apply for pre-determination

    • VA Form 40-10007 — apply BEFORE death.
    • Removes paperwork burden from family at time of grief.
    • Confirms eligibility now.
    • Family just contacts cemetery at time of need.
    • VA.gov/burials-memorials.
    • FREE. Takes 30 days for approval.

    155 national cemeteries

    • Find nearest at cem.va.gov.
    • Some full — check space available.
    • Spouse can be buried with you (reserved spot).
    • Some state veterans cemeteries also free.
    • Arlington National Cemetery — strict eligibility.
    • Choose pre-burial = your final resting place secured.

    Burial allowance for non-cemetery

    • If buried in private cemetery — vet may get burial allowance ($300-2,000).
    • Plot allowance $948 (2026) for service-connected death.
    • $893 transportation allowance.
    • Service-connected death = full allowance.
    • Apply via VA Form 21-530EZ.

    Required documents

    DD-214 (military discharge) is essential — get certified copy NOW. Keep with important docs. Family will need at time of death. Lost? Request from National Personnel Records Center (archives.gov). Often takes weeks. Don't wait. Free help: VFW + American Legion.