When a veteran or their spouse passes away, families often need to make important arrangements quickly. The last thing they should have to worry about is navigating burial benefits on their own.

Knowing what benefits may be available and the steps to access them can help make that process easier.

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) helps families navigate both the burial and memorial benefits veterans have earned and the process for requesting them.

Helping Families Navigate Benefits and Next Steps

Many veterans have earned burial benefits they may not even know about, including a place in a VA national cemetery or VA grant-funded state, territorial or tribal Veterans cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual gravesite care, all at no cost. 

Watch: Honor Forever: A Guide for Families at Time of Need

This video explains:

• Burial benefits available at VA national cemeteries
• The steps families take to plan and schedule a burial at a VA national cemetery
• How VA and funeral directors will help guide families through the process

Taking a few minutes to watch the video and sharing it with your family can help ensure they understand the benefits available and the steps to take when the time comes.

Resources for Veterans and Families

We’ve added new resources at cem.va.gov/veterans-and-families to help you and your family learn about available burial and memorial benefits and the steps involved in planning and scheduling a burial:

• New flyer: VLM: Families Honoring Veterans
• New information sheet: What Veteran Families Can Expect at a VA National Cemetery

Additional resources include:

• Flyer: Planning and Scheduling a Burial at a VA National Cemetery
• Guide: A Guide to Your VA Burial and Memorial Benefits
• Information sheet: Plan with Confidence: Understanding the Costs of Burial

Confirm Eligibility in Advance

If a veteran or their spouse wishes to be buried in a VA national cemetery, they can apply now to see if they are eligible. The online pre-need application takes less than 10 minutes to complete. 

Click Here for the Online Pre-Need Application

Questions?

To speak with someone who can answer any questions you may have about scheduling a service or completing the pre-need application, please call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (TTY:711). The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).