Burial Benefits for Veterans and Their Families

A veteran’s service carries benefits that extend to burial and memorialization, and many families don’t know the full extent of what they’re entitled to. Some benefits are automatic. Others must be applied for, and several carry filing deadlines.

What Veterans May Be Entitled To

A government headstone, marker, or medallion. VA may provide a government headstone or marker at no cost for an eligible veteran in a private cemetery using VA Form 40-1330. If the family has a privately purchased headstone or marker, a government medallion may be available instead using VA Form 40-1330M. A private cemetery may charge for installation or placement.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate. An engraved certificate bearing the President’s signature. There is no limit on how many a family may request.
A burial flag. A United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn, provided at no cost and given to the next of kin afterward.
Military funeral honors. At minimum, the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps by at least two uniformed service members, one from the veteran’s own branch. Requested through the funeral home.
A burial allowance. Eligible survivors or other claimants may receive help toward burial, funeral, plot or interment, and certain transportation costs. Some eligible surviving spouses are paid automatically; other claims use VA Form 21P-530EZ. Benefit amounts can change, so check current figures at va.gov.

What You’ll Need

The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the most useful proof of service for these benefits.
If it isn’t available, VA may accept other discharge documents showing qualifying service. Copies can be requested from the National Personnel Records Center using Standard Form 180 at archives.gov.
You may also need the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the veteran, and receipts for burial expenses if claiming an allowance.

Burial at The Gardens

The Gardens is an all-above-ground cemetery, and veterans can be memorialized through mausoleum entombment or cremation niche options. Our funeral director coordinates military funeral honors with the appropriate service branch, including the honor detail, flag folding and presentation, and Taps. Bring the veteran’s DD Form 214 or other discharge documentation if you have it.
Choosing a private cemetery does not end every VA benefit. The entitlements listed above, including a burial allowance in some cases, may still apply. VA does not generally cover all private-cemetery charges, and placement or installation fees may apply.
The Gardens can help organize the funeral and cemetery documentation needed for these requests. Military funeral honors are coordinated through our funeral director; VA and the Department of Defense make the final eligibility and benefit determinations.

If You Are Considering a National Cemetery

Veterans may choose burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, including the gravesite, opening and closing, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual care. South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth is the closest VA national cemetery to Boca Raton. The cemetery office is 561-649-6489; burial scheduling is handled through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

Common Questions

Are spouses and dependents eligible?

For a VA national cemetery, often yes. Spouses, minor children and, in some cases, unmarried adult dependent children may qualify. VA national-cemetery eligibility does not generally pay a spouse’s or dependent’s burial costs in a private cemetery.

Does a dishonorable discharge disqualify a veteran?

Generally yes. Character-of-discharge determinations can be complex; a VA regional office or an accredited Veterans Service Officer can advise.

How long do we have to file for a burial allowance?

For a non-service-connected death, a burial allowance generally must be claimed within two years of permanent burial or cremation. There is no time limit for a service-connected burial allowance, a plot or interment allowance, transportation reimbursement, or certain deaths under VA care.