Military service comes with many benefits—including the right to burial in a veterans cemetery, often at little or no cost. Understanding what you qualify for and how to secure a plot can save your family thousands of dollars and provide meaningful recognition of your service.
Who Qualifies for Veteran Cemetery Benefits
Veterans cemetery plots are available to eligible service members, their spouses, and sometimes their dependents. You generally qualify if you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge. This includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force veterans. Reserve and National Guard members with active duty service also qualify.
Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans can often use the same plot, though burial alongside a veteran may require meeting specific relationship criteria at the time of death. Your discharge papers (DD Form 214) are essential proof of eligibility, so keep them in a safe place and ensure your family knows where to find them.
Cost Advantages of Veteran Burial Benefits
This is where the real savings kick in. Private cemetery plots typically cost between $500 and $5,000+, depending on location and cemetery prestige. Many veteran cemeteries—both national and state-operated—charge little to nothing for the burial plot itself.
What you may pay includes:
- Opening and closing fees ($300–$1,500, varies by cemetery)
- Grave liner or vault (often $500–$2,000, sometimes required by the cemetery)
- Headstone or marker (provided free by the VA for eligible veterans)
- Interment fees (may range from minimal to a few hundred dollars)
Your family still covers funeral service costs, but eliminating the plot purchase alone represents substantial savings. State veterans cemeteries sometimes offer even more generous pricing than private options.
Types of Veteran Cemetery Options
National Cemeteries are operated by the Veterans Affairs department and spread across all 50 states. These include Arlington National Cemetery (highly selective) and 140+ other VA cemeteries offering burial to millions of eligible veterans. They're well-maintained and provide consistent services nationwide.
State Veterans Cemeteries are run by individual states and often have shorter wait times and more local availability than national cemeteries. Some states offer reduced or waived opening/closing fees for residents. If you live in a state with an active program, this may be your quickest option.
Private Cemeteries with Military Sections allow veterans to use reserved military plots at standard cemetery rates—more expensive than VA options but sometimes closer to home or offering specific amenities.
How to Apply and Secure Your Plot
Start by gathering your discharge documentation (DD Form 214). You'll need this for any application.
For National Cemeteries: Contact your nearest VA cemetery directly or submit an application online through VA.gov. Most cemeteries allow pre-need applications, meaning you can reserve a plot before it's needed. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
For State Cemeteries: Visit your state's veterans affairs office or search "[your state] veterans cemetery." Each state has different processes, eligibility windows, and fees. Some allow online applications; others require in-person visits.
For Private Cemeteries: Call directly to ask about veteran plot availability and pricing. Ask whether the cemetery accepts VA headstone markers and what fees apply.
Plan ahead if possible. Pre-need applications prevent delays when a death occurs and give your family one less burden during a difficult time. Some cemeteries offer payment plans to spread costs over time.
What to Ask Before Choosing a Plot
Ask whether the cemetery allows personalization (many VA cemeteries limit markers to standardized designs). Confirm whether flowers, decorations, or veteran flags are permitted year-round or only on certain holidays. Understand the difference between in-ground burial and above-ground columbarium niches if cremation is planned.
Check whether the cemetery offers Veterans Honors Ceremonies—a meaningful final tribute that includes flag folding, rifle volleys, and bugle calls. These are standard at most VA facilities but not all private cemeteries.
Mercoly helps you compare and find trusted cemetery plot providers in your area, making it easier to evaluate options and understand costs upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my spouse be buried in my veteran cemetery plot? Yes, most veteran cemeteries allow spouses and sometimes eligible dependents to share a plot, though specific rules vary by facility and state.
Q: Will the VA pay for the entire burial? The VA provides the plot and headstone but not funeral service costs; your family or insurance covers the funeral home, casket, flowers, and ceremony expenses.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for a veteran cemetery plot? Pre-need applications typically process in 2–4 weeks; at-need applications (submitted after death) may be expedited to meet burial timelines.
Start by locating your nearest VA or state veterans cemetery and submitting a pre-need application today.