Montevista | Complete Guide to Veterans Burial Benefits
Complete Guide to Veterans Burial Benefits
Veterans who served our country honorably are entitled to significant burial benefits including free burial in national cemeteries, VA burial allowances, free headstones, and military funeral honors. Understanding these benefits ensures veterans and their families receive the recognition and support they’ve earned.
This comprehensive guide explains all veterans burial benefits, eligibility requirements, how to claim them, and resources available to Bay Area veterans and their families.
Overview of Veterans Burial Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense provide several burial benefits to honor veterans’ service:
1. Burial in VA National Cemeteries – Free burial, opening/closing of grave, perpetual care
2. VA Burial Allowance – Financial assistance ($300-$796) toward burial costs
3. Military Funeral Honors – Flag presentation, Taps, honor guard
4. Headstone or Marker – Free government-furnished headstone or marker
5. Presidential Memorial Certificate – Signed certificate honoring service
6. Burial Flag – American flag to drape the casket
These benefits are available to eligible veterans and, in some cases, their spouses and dependents.
Eligibility for Veterans Burial Benefits
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Veteran?
Generally, veterans who meet these criteria are eligible:
Service requirements: – Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable – Completed required term of service (or discharged due to disability) – Received DD-214 or equivalent discharge papers
Specific eligibility includes: – Any veteran discharged from active duty (not dishonorably) – Reservists and National Guard members with qualifying service – Service members who died on active duty – Former service members who received dishonorable discharges may not qualify
Documentation needed: – DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) – Discharge papers showing character of discharge
Check eligibility: Contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov
Eligibility for Spouses and Dependents
Eligible for burial in national cemeteries: – Spouse of eligible veteran – Surviving spouse of eligible veteran (if not remarried) – Minor children of eligible veteran – Unmarried adult children who were disabled before age 18 or 21
Not eligible for: – VA burial allowance (veteran-only benefit) – Some other benefits are veteran-specific
National Cemetery Burial Benefits
What’s Included
Free burial in a VA national cemetery includes:
Plot or niche: – In-ground burial plot – Or above-ground columbarium niche – No cost to family
Opening and closing the grave: – Grave excavation – Placement of casket or urn – Filling and restoration – No cost to family
Perpetual care: – Grave maintenance forever – Landscaping and upkeep – No ongoing fees
Headstone or marker: – Government-furnished headstone or flat marker – Inscription with name, dates, military info – Installation included
Burial flag: – American flag provided – Used to drape casket or accompany urn
What’s NOT included: – Funeral home services – Casket or urn (family provides) – Transportation to cemetery – Flowers or other services
Bay Area VA National Cemeteries
San Francisco National Cemetery – Location: Presidio of San Francisco – Status: Closed to new burials (exceptions for existing family plots) – Historic cemetery established 1884
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery – Location: Santa Nella (Merced County) – about 90 miles from Bay Area – Open for new burials – Serves Bay Area and Central Valley veterans – Opened 2005
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery – Location: Dixon (Solano County) – about 60 miles from Bay Area – Open for new burials – Closest option for many Bay Area veterans – Opened 2005
Golden Gate National Cemetery – Location: San Bruno (just south of San Francisco) – Open for cremation burials only (columbarium niches) – Ground burial plots are full – Established 1941
Finding nearest cemetery: Visit www.cem.va.gov or call 1-800-535-1117
How to Arrange National Cemetery Burial
Before death (pre-planning): 1. Contact cemetery to verify eligibility 2. Provide DD-214 or service information 3. Receive pre-need determination letter 4. Inform family of arrangements
After death: 1. Funeral director or family contacts cemetery (1-800-535-1117) 2. Provides veteran’s information and DD-214 3. Cemetery schedules burial date/time 4. Family coordinates with funeral home 5. Burial conducted with military honors
Timeframe: Usually scheduled within 5-7 days of request
VA Burial Allowance
Types of Burial Allowances
The VA provides financial assistance toward burial costs:
Service-Connected Death Allowance: $978 burial allowance and $978 plot allowance – For veterans whose death was service-connected – Additional $796 for burial and funeral expenses – Additional allowance for plot/interment ($796)
Non-Service-Connected Death Allowance: $300 – For eligible veterans whose death was not service-connected – $796 plot allowance if buried in private cemetery
Plot Allowance: $796 – If buried in private cemetery (not national cemetery) – Helps offset plot costs
Amounts subject to change – verify current rates with VA
Who Can Receive the Allowance
- Veteran’s estate
- Survivor
- Funeral home (with proper authorization)
Applied to: – Burial expenses – Funeral costs – Cemetery plot (if applicable)
How to Claim VA Burial Allowance
Required documents: – VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) – Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate – Receipts for burial/funeral expenses
Where to submit: – Mail to VA Regional Office – Or file online at VA.gov – Or through funeral director
Deadline: Must file within 2 years of burial or cremation
Processing time: Typically 30-90 days
Military Funeral Honors
Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors.
What’s Included
Minimum honors (all eligible veterans): – Folding and presentation of American flag – Playing of Taps (live or recorded) – At least two uniformed military personnel
Full military honors (for certain ranks/circumstances): – Firing party (rifle volley) – Bugler playing Taps live – Pallbearers – Color guard – Larger honor guard detail
How to Request Military Honors
Through funeral home (easiest): – Funeral director coordinates on your behalf – Provide veteran’s DD-214 – Funeral home contacts appropriate military branch
Direct request: – Call Department of Defense: 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667) – Provide veteran’s information and service details – Coordinate timing with cemetery
Advance notice recommended: Contact 2-3 weeks before service if possible, though last-minute requests are accommodated
Available locations: – National cemeteries (automatic) – Private cemeteries – Funeral homes – Churches or other venues
What to Expect
Flag presentation: – Honor guard folds American flag – Presents to next of kin with words: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the [branch of service], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Taps: – 24-note bugle call – Played at end of ceremony – Live or high-quality recording
The experience: – Dignified, respectful ceremony – Brief but meaningful – Typically 10-15 minutes
Free Headstone or Marker
What’s Provided
The VA furnishes free headstones or markers for: – Veterans buried in national, state, or private cemeteries – Eligible spouses and dependents (when buried in national cemeteries)
Options include: – Upright marble or granite headstone – Flat bronze, marble, or granite marker – Niche cover for columbarium (for cremation)
Inscriptions included: – Name – Birth and death dates – Military rank and branch – War service (if applicable) – Emblem of belief (religious or secular symbols) – Space for spouse information (if applicable)
How to Apply
Application: – VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) – Submit with copy of DD-214 or discharge papers
Where to apply: – Online: www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials – By mail to: Memorial Products Service – Through funeral director
Installation: – At national cemeteries: VA installs – At private cemeteries: Family arranges installation (additional cost)
Presidential Memorial Certificate
Free certificate signed by the current President honoring the veteran’s service.
Eligibility: All honorably discharged veterans
How to obtain: – Request from VA – Often provided automatically with other benefits – Family can request multiple copies – No cost
Burial Flag
What’s provided: – American flag to drape casket or accompany urn – Flag is presented to family after ceremony – Flag is 5 feet by 9.5 feet (burial flag size)
How to obtain: – Through funeral home (most common) – VA office – Post office (for veterans) – Authorized service organization
Required: – Veteran’s DD-214 or proof of service
Additional Burial Benefits
For Service-Connected Disabled Veterans
Specially Adapted Housing: Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may have received housing grants that include burial plot assistance.
Aid and Attendance: Surviving spouses may qualify for VA pension with aid and attendance, helping with care costs (not burial specific, but relevant financial support).
State Veterans Cemeteries
California operates state veterans cemeteries with similar benefits to national cemeteries:
California state veterans cemeteries near Bay Area: – Check California Department of Veterans Affairs for locations and eligibility
Benefits typically include: – Free burial plot – Opening/closing grave – Perpetual care – May have fewer restrictions than national cemeteries
Veterans Service Organizations
Organizations that help veterans access benefits:
American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Disabled American Veterans (DAV) AMVETS
Services provided: – Help filing benefit claims – Assistance with paperwork – Advocacy – Free assistance
How to Access Veterans Burial Benefits
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather documents: – Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate (after death) – Marriage certificate (if claiming spouse benefits)
2. Determine which benefits you’re claiming: – National cemetery burial – VA burial allowance – Military honors – Headstone – All of the above
3. Contact appropriate agencies: – National Cemetery Administration: 1-800-535-1117 – VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000 – Military Honors: 1-877-645-4667
4. Work with funeral director: – Experienced funeral directors help coordinate benefits – Can file claims and make arrangements on your behalf – Simplifies process during difficult time
5. File claims promptly: – National cemetery arrangements: As soon as possible after death – Burial allowance: Within 2 years – Headstone: Any time – Military honors: At least 2 weeks notice preferred
Working with Funeral Homes
Find veteran-friendly funeral homes: – Ask if they have experience with VA benefits – Confirm they’ll help coordinate military honors – Ensure they understand national cemetery procedures
What funeral homes can do: – File paperwork on your behalf – Coordinate with national cemetery – Arrange military honors – Help claim burial allowance – Provide veteran-appropriate services
Common Questions About Veterans Burial Benefits
Can a veteran be buried with their spouse? Yes, in national cemeteries. Eligible spouses can be buried in the same plot.
What if the veteran was cremated? All benefits still apply. Cremated remains can be buried or inurned in national cemeteries.
Do reservists qualify? Yes, if they meet service requirements (typically 20 years of qualifying service or were called to active duty).
What if we can’t find the DD-214? Request a replacement from National Archives (eVetRecs.archives.gov) or call 1-866-272-6272.
Can we have a private cemetery burial and still get benefits? Yes. You can receive burial allowance, military honors, and free headstone even with private cemetery burial.
Is there a deadline to claim benefits? Burial allowance must be filed within 2 years. Other benefits have no strict deadline but should be requested promptly.
Planning Ahead: Pre-Need Arrangements
Veterans can pre-plan and even pre-arrange burial:
Pre-need determination: – Contact national cemetery – Verify eligibility in advance – Receive confirmation letter – Makes arrangements easier for family
Documentation: – Keep DD-214 accessible – Inform family of veteran status – Document benefit preferences – Store with other important papers
Key Takeaways
Veterans have earned significant burial benefits:
- National cemetery burial is free including plot, opening/closing, perpetual care, and headstone
- VA burial allowance provides $300-$2,796 toward burial costs depending on circumstances
- Military funeral honors are provided to all eligible veterans with flag presentation and Taps
- Free headstone or marker available for any veteran’s grave
- Spouses and dependents may be buried with veterans in national cemeteries
- Multiple Bay Area options including Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley national cemeteries
- Funeral homes can help coordinate benefits and file claims
These benefits honor veterans’ service and provide meaningful support to families.
Veterans Burial Benefits Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens assists veterans and their families with coordinating VA burial benefits, connecting with the right resources, and ensuring veterans receive the recognition they’ve earned.
Whether you’re pre-planning or handling current arrangements, our team can help navigate the process and point families toward available benefits.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss veterans burial benefits and how we can help honor your veteran’s service.