Veterans Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible for free burial or cremation benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Qualified Veterans are entitled to burial in a National Cemetery at no cost — a benefit that also extends to eligible family members.

Who Qualifies? Burial in a VA National Cemetery is available to:

• Veterans who meet the minimum active-duty service requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Members of the reserve components who die while on active duty or during authorized training
• Veterans eligible for retirement pay

Eligible family members may include:

• Spouses, widows or widowers
• Minor children
• Children with disabilities
• Unmarried adult children under certain conditions

Family members may qualify even if they pass away before the Veteran.

The Veterans Burial Program is designed to educate Veterans and their spouses about the burial and memorial benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It also provides hands-on assistance to ensure Veterans and their loved ones have a personalized, pre-planned burial or cremation arrangement in place — honoring their service and final wishes with dignity.

This program supports Veterans and their families in seven key areas:

1. Retrieving Military Discharge Documents
   Help with locating, obtaining, and filing the DD-214 form (proof of military service).
2. Filing Proof of Marriage Documentation
   Ensuring spouses have the proper documentation to qualify for benefits.
3. Preparing Vital Statistics
   Gathering essential information required for the official death certificate.
4. Guidance Toward Veteran-Friendly Mortuaries
   Connecting families with trusted, VA-compliant funeral homes and cremation providers.
5. Personalized Funeral Planning
   Assisting families in selecting a funeral or cremation plan that reflects their personal values and preferences.
6. Exploring Funding Options
   Providing education and support on available financial tools to help fund final arrangements.
7. Issuing a Veterans Burial Program Emergency ID Card
   A card that identifies the Veteran’s enrollment in the program and outlines their pre-arranged wishes.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs encourages Veterans to plan ahead and clearly communicate their wishes with loved ones. According to the VA Handbook:

“You should advise your family of your wishes and where your discharge papers are kept. These papers are very important in establishing your eligibility. Upon request, VA will make eligibility determinations for burial in a VA national cemetery in advance of need.”

The VA also states:

“…your family would contact a funeral home who will assist them with making burial arrangements at the national cemetery. You may wish to make pre-need arrangements with a funeral home.”

Planning in advance not only ensures your wishes are respected — it also eases the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones. Our program helps you take these recommended steps now, so your family is fully prepared later.

A few years ago, a Korean War Veteran shared this with me:
“I told my wife that when I die, all she needs to do is call the National Cemetery. They’ll come and get me and take care of everything for you.”

He truly believed that the VA would cover all funeral-related expenses — from the casket and transportation, to cremation or embalming, and even death certificates. Sadly, this is one of the most common — and costly — misunderstandings among Veterans and their families.

Many assume the National Cemetery includes a funeral home or crematory, and that simply presenting a DD-214 is all that’s required. The reality is:

• Yes, if you qualify, burial space at a National Cemetery is free for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents.
• But, funeral arrangements outside the cemetery gates — such as transportation, mortuary services, preparation of the body, and final expenses — are your family's responsibility.

Here’s an easy way to remember it:

Inside the gate — your cost is free.
Outside the gate — you pay the fee.

Thankfully, we were able to help that Veteran before it was too late. If his family had waited and relied on this myth, they could have faced a heart-wrenching financial burden during an already difficult time.

Advance planning is the key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring your wishes are honored with dignity and respect.

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the sitting President of the United States, to honor the memory of deceased Veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

This distinguished certificate serves as a lasting expression of the nation's gratitude for a Veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Veterans’ families may request multiple copies, making it a meaningful keepsake for loved ones.