Can a child of a veteran be buried in a national cemetery. National Cemetery Administration Find a Cemetery NCA's interactive map enables Veterans to search for their final resting place or for those who want to visit their Veteran interred at 157 VA managed or 124 VA grant-funded cemeteries. As such, it has rules that are a bit different than National Veterans Cemeteries, which are run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jan 31, 2012 · The Act authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter the biological or legally adoptive parents of a deceased veteran if the deceased veteran is a hostile casualty or dies from a training-related injury, is interred in a VA national cemetery in a gravesite with available space, and has no spouse or child who is buried, or surviving Jul 22, 2021 · Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery even if their Veteran loved one is not buried or memorialized in a VA national cemetery, or if their death occurs before the Veteran’s. Apr 15, 2021 · Non-veteran spouses and dependents may be buried in a CalVet cemetery even if the veteran is still alive, or his/her remains are elsewhere. In addition, t whose death occurred on or after January 1 2000, is eligible for burial in a national cemetery, based on his or her marriage to the el Jul 16, 2025 · The honor of burial in a national cemetery extends to the immediate family of an eligible veteran, ensuring that families can be laid to rest together. Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran. (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a federal military cemetery in San Diego, California. There are 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. To assist them, VA is launching an initiative, the “Pre-Need Eligibility Determination Program,” specifically aimed at helping individuals with burial planning and making sure their wishes are known. You may want to ask the following questions when preparing for burial in a private cemetery: When responding to an offer of a "free" gravesite for Veterans, ask if there is a requirement to purchase an additional gravesite. However, the family will typically be responsible for the costs associated with disinterment. The minor children of an eligible veteran. You will need to provide supporting documentation that Jul 16, 2018 · VA Burial Benefits through the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is a department within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that maintains 156 national cemeteries. You must file a claim for a non-service-connected An eligible spouse or child who predeceases an eligible veteran may be buried in a national cemetery. Public Health Service. The unmarried adult child of an eligible Veteran. Under certain conditions, the surviving spouse or minor children of an eligible person may also be entitled to this benefit. May 14, 2024 · Burial in a national cemetery is free to all eligible veterans. Learn how to receive military burial and survivor benefits and honors for active duty, veterans, and retirees, including burial in a national cemetery. Eligibility for in-ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery is the most stringent of all U. Completing the simple, online pre-need burial eligibility application is the starting point in end-of-life planning. Although burial plots cannot be reserved, you can plan ahead by safeguarding military discharge papers and discussing end-of-life planning with loved ones. Spouses and minor children (unmarried and under 21, or under 23 if a full-time student) of eligible veterans are generally eligible for interment in a VA National Cemetery. Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependent name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran's headstone, at no cost to the family. S. In that case, they may be buried side by side in separate plots. of Veterans Affairs provides a free burial space for a veteran, spouse or dependent child in any VA National Cemetery, including opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone and burial vault if required. They also handle burial benefits for veterans and their spouses/dependents. VA national cemetery burials. A cemetery space or columbarium space, headstone or marker, as well as a burial vault, is provided by the national cemetery. As part of the National Cemetery Administration, Quantico National Cemetery offers a range of burial services to honor veterans and their families. Oct 1, 2019 · A spouse or dependent child buried in a private cemetery isn’t eligible for these benefits. Members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Though the government offers excellent burial benefits when a veteran is buried in a state or national veterans cemetery, there's often limited financial assistance for funeral or cremation services themselves. 620 (e) (2014), or an unmarried dependent adult child becomes eligible for burial with the Veteran is approved by the Secretary of Veterans Eligibility Persons Eligible for Burial in a National Cemetery The National Cemetery Scheduling Office has the primary responsibility for verifying eligibility for burial in VA national cemeteries. To qualify for burial in a national cemetery, a veteran or their dependents must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements. Meeting minimum service requirements. Nov 11, 2021 · For military Veterans and their loved ones, one of the highest honors is receiving a final resting place in a Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides burial and memorial benefits to honor eligible veterans and assist their families. Specific criteria, however, vary depending on the particular Jun 7, 2021 · Eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers eligible for burial benefits can be interred in VA national cemeteries and can receive government-furnished headstones or markers, and in their honor, next of kin can receive presidential memorial certificates and burial flags. There are currently 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. 3. Soldiers who die while on active duty, retired members of the Armed Forces, and certain Veterans and family members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Learn about burial benefits for Veterans buried in a private cemetery and your eligibility for an inscription on the Veteran’s headstone. It offers details about who is eligible to be interred or inurned and/or receive military funeral honors at Arlington, as well as information about scheduling a funeral and more. Eligibility Requirements for Burial in a VA National Cemetery Any member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty or any Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is entitled to burial in a VA national cemetery. May 11, 2022 · A veteran’s spouse or a child under the age of 18 are also eligible, even if the veteran died first. You can check the map of national cemeteries to see if there is one near you. Burial in a VA national cemetery is available for eligible Veterans, their spouses and dependents at no cost to the family and includes the gravesite, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a national shrine. Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. However, most veterans who have at least one day of active service (other than for training) and an honorable discharge are eligible for above-ground inurnment. Aug 2, 2021 · Who’s eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery? Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial. If the veteran is eligible to be buried in a national cemetery, then you can probably arrange for their burial in one near your home, as long as space is available. Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone, at no cost to the family. For purpose of burial in a national cemetery, a minor child is a child who is unmarried and: Who is under 21 years of age; or, Who is under 23 years of age and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution. Dec 16, 2024 · Honoring Service: Understanding Military Cemetery Burial Eligibility Who is entitled to be buried in a military cemetery? Broadly speaking, eligibility extends to veterans of the U. Veterans - Check for eligibility based on the veteran’s discharge status and when and where they served. Sep 24, 2025 · VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. The VA also provides eligibility determinations for interment in a National Cemetery prior to the time of need. Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay under Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60. May 28, 2021 · A husband and wife are interred in the same plot unless both were Veterans. Feb 11, 2026 · Your spouse served 20 years in the military. Notes: » Veterans eligible for burial in a VA national, state or tribal Veterans cemetery may receive a government headstone or marker, a U. A Commissioned Officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly titled the Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Environmental Science Services Administration) with full-time duty on or after July 29, 1945. national cemeteries. A: Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in a national cemetery, even if they predecease the veteran. Children of an eligible veteran may be buried in a national cemetery if they meet the following criteria: if the child is a minor child defined as unmarried and under the age of 21 or under the age of 23 and a full-time student at an approved educational institution or any age adult child who has become permanently physically or mentally Jun 7, 2021 · Eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers eligible for burial benefits can be interred in VA national cemeteries and can receive government-furnished headstones or markers, and in their honor, next of kin can receive presidential memorial certificates and burial flags. If the Veteran is buried in a private cemetery, contact our Applicant Assistance Office at 1-800-697-6947. The unmarried adult child of an eligible veteran. R. Eligibility is determined at the time of need. Learn how to apply for a pre-need determination of eligibility. (c) who is interred in a national cemetery, in a gravesite with available space for subsequent interment, and (d) at the time of the parent’s death, had no spouse, surviving spouse, or child who is buried, or who, upon death, may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Spouses and Dependents ouse of an eligible Veteran is eligible for interment in a national cemetery even if that Veteran is not buried or memorialized in a national cemetery. Apr 28, 2022 · Arlington National Cemetery is run by the Department of the Army. g. An eligible spouse and children may be buried in a national cemetery even if they predecease the veteran. The Dept. To assist them, VA launched the "Pre-Need Program" to determine eligibility and to help Veterans prepare for burial at the time of Daily updates of everything that you need know about what is going on in the military community and abroad including military gear and equipment, breaking news, international news and more. F. For eligible Veterans and loved ones, VA national cemetery burials involve the opening and closing of the gravesite, inscribed headstones or markers, a burial flag, award of the Presidential Memorial Certificate, and perpetual care of the gravesite. Dec 31, 2025 · If the person has any children with disabilities, you’ll need the status and detailed information for any disabled children who may be buried in the future in a national cemetery. Sometimes, a veteran’s adult dependent child is eligible for burial with proper supporting documents about the child’s disability. Casket or cremation burials. » If a Veteran dies while at a VA facility under authorized VA admission, and the remains are unclaimed, the facility director will ensure proper Oct 5, 2018 · Who can be buried in a national cemetery? If you’re an Armed Forces member or a veteran, you may be eligible for burial in one of over 100 national cemeteries in the U. Jun 7, 2021 · Eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers eligible for burial benefits can be interred in VA national cemeteries and can receive government-furnished headstones or markers, and in their honor, next of kin can receive presidential memorial certificates and burial flags. 38. 4. The minor children of an eligible Veteran may also be buried in a national cemetery. Anyone can apply for the pre-need eligibility determination by completing a VA Form 40-10007 and submitting it to the address on the form. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. For purpose of burial in a national cemetery, an unmarried adult child is:Of any age but became permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching 21 years of age, or before reaching 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an Establishing Eligibility Arlington National Cemetery's eligibility requirements for burial and inurnment are different from other national cemeteries that are maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jan 27, 2023 · So, once the VA issues the urn or plaque, the veteran or service member is no longer eligible for burial in a Department of Veterans Affairs national cemetery, nor may the VA issue a headstone, marker or medallion to mark the grave. Oct 17, 2025 · Spouses are eligible to be buried in a VA national cemetery alongside the veteran, and this eligibility continues even if the spouse remarries after the veteran’s death. This Defense Department brochure informs veterans, service members and their families, and service providers about funeral planning for those eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 13. May 7, 2015 · a minor child becomes eligible for burial with the Veteran, if the child is under the age of 21, or under the age of 23, if attending an approved educational institution full-time. How does one request a military funeral honor? Requests can be made through the funeral director or directly at 1-877-MIL-HONR. Many veterans and family members consider these benefits to be of significant monetary and symbolic value. Information for Veterans and Families The U. To be laid to rest among fellow soldiers, where family and friends can visit your gravestone, is something most members of the United States Armed Forces are qualified to receive. Jul 27, 2021 · Family members can visit the unique web page of any veteran who's buried in a national, state, territorial or tribal cemetery and post photos, documents or memories in what is called the Veterans Legacy Memorial. A determination of eligibility is made in response to a request for burial in a VA national cemetery. The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. If you want to be buried in a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, check the site you want ahead of time since some state Veterans cemeteries require that you live in that state or have other rules around eligibility. Jun 4, 2024 · Yes, under certain circumstances, a veteran can be disinterred from a private cemetery and reinterred in a national military cemetery. Cremated remains are buried in the ground in specially designated sections of the cemetery or in above ground columbaria. These include traditional casket burial, in-ground cremation interment, and columbarium niche placements. Spouses and some dependent children may also be eligible. Dec 19, 2024 · VA benefits Burials and memorials Get help planning a burial in a VA national cemetery, order a headstone or other memorial item to honor a Veteran’s service, and apply for survivor and dependent benefits. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you’ve earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need. Spouses, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children may also be buried in national Are you interested in burial or inurnment at a national cemetery? Check out this list of national cemeteries and find one to fit your needs. Apr 18, 2022 · Make arrangements with a funeral home, National Cemetery Scheduling Office or directly with a VA national cemetery. In-Ground Burial: Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery plot with a veteran. To schedule a burial fax all discharge documentation to 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a Apr 18, 2025 · Find your Veteran’s interactive memorial page and leave a tribute, photo, biography, or other memory to honor their life and legacy. This historic cemetery bears witness to American heritage and the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform throughout nation’s history. What benefits are available for unmarried adult children of Dec 30, 2025 · National Cemetery Administration Information for Veterans If you are a Veteran or family member interested in learning more about VA Burial and Memorial benefits, use this reference to help guide the journey, either while planning in advance or at the time of need. Commissioned Officers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran is eligible for interment, even if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery. 2. Both minor and un Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces. VA has a program that can assist by confirming eligibility for burial in a national cemetery. Apr 23, 2024 · Understanding the eligibility requirements for burial in a military cemetery ensures that veterans and their families can receive the dignified final resting place they deserve. Eligibility for Family Members A son may be eligible for burial with an eligible veteran under specific conditions. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Only an eligible Veteran can receive a headstone, marker, or medallion for burial in a private cemetery. Feb 4, 2025 · Also eligible are minor dependent children and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities. If you are interested in burial at a state veteran cemetery, contact the cemetery directly to find out their regulations on the burial of a non-veteran spouse or child. Lean for more information about burial eligibility for Veterans’ family members. Veterans, service members, and some family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Aug 10, 2025 · The character of discharge is a primary determinant. Mar 9, 2026 · You can apply to find out in advance if you’re eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Dec 21, 2025 · Who is eligible? The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial benefits for veterans and their eligible dependents. For that purpose, a minor child is defined as a person who is unmarried and: (1) Under the age of 21 years; or (2) Under 23 years of age and pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution. . Spouses, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children may also be buried in national "(3) The parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child whose remains, based on the eligibility of a parent, are already buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but only if buried in the same gravesite as that minor child or un- married adult child. A Veteran's spouse, widow or widower, minor dependent children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial. Mar 18, 2024 · Burials in a National Cemetery The VA has 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Eligibility Find out how to get Veterans burial allowances (sometimes called “Veterans death benefits”) to help cover some of the costs of the burial, funeral, and plot or interment. Oct 13, 2022 · We can’t determine eligibility for burial in Arlington National Cemetery because the United States Army maintains this cemetery. Contact your national cemetery administration office for assistance. As a Veteran, you may be concerned about how your family will pay for your funeral someday. Find out if you, or a person you’re planning a burial for, can get this benefit. The cemetery will install a headstone/monument for both the veteran and their dependents. 4 days ago · Veterans and spouses who want to be buried in a VA national cemetery can apply to find out in advance if they are eligible. In most cases, one gravesite is provided for the burial of all eligible family members and a single headstone or marker is provided. In most cases, we provide one gravesite and a single headstone for all eligible family members. Summary Many individuals would like to know, in advance, whether they are eligible for burial in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran. burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, even if they are not buried in a national cemetery. May 28, 2021 · There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery. For purpose of burial in a national cemetery, a minor child is a person who is unmarried and meets either of the two additional criteria listed below. Dec 15, 2025 · A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran. The minor children of an eligible person are eligible. For specific eligibility requirements please go to the National Cemetery Eligibility page. Be sure to express a preference for which VA national cemetery the burial rights are being sought. Understanding the specific criteria for burial in these grounds is important for veterans, service members, and their families. 1. Refer to: 38 C. A Commissioned Officer of the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service who served on full-time duty on or after July 29, 1945. You assumed you'd be buried together in a national cemetery when the time comes. That's why many veterans service organizations partner with funeral homes to help bridge funding gaps and complement government burial benefits. The eligible retiree's surviving spouse, dependent children, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children, and biological or adoptive parents of a retiree may be eligible for burial. To establish eligibility for spouses and veterans, the requesting party must submit an “Eligibility for Burial Benefits Determination” form (VSD-002), and submit additional documentation, as outlined below. Please work with a funeral home director to contact Arlington National Cemetery at 877-907-8585 for their eligibility information. The surviving spouse of an eligible decedent who remarries an eligible person retains his or her eligibility for burial in a national cemetery. Veterans National Cemeteries These cemeteries are operated by the Department of Defense. Benefits may include burial allowances, burial in a national cemetery, transportation assistance in certain circumstances, government headstones or markers, burial flags, and other memorial benefits. Family members - Spouses may qualify even if the veteran they married died and the spouse remarried. Search for national, state, or tribal government Veterans cemeteries. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. You can also get reimbursed (paid back) for the cost of transporting a Veteran’s remains for burial in a national cemetery. Let’s look at whether you may be eligible for Veteran burial in a National Cemetery and what other benefits may be included. Generally, if a veteran meets the following criteria, they are eligible for burial in a national cemetery: Completion of service under conditions other than dishonorable. These cemeteries, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provide a perpetual tribute to those who have served the nation. Oct 2, 2023 · Can a veteran's spouse be buried alongside them in a VA cemetery? Yes, eligible spouses and some dependents can also be interred in national cemeteries. Spouses, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children may also be buried in national Mar 3, 2023 · National Cemetery Administration Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination Many people would like to know, in advance, whether they are eligible for burial in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Contacting the NCA directly with specific questions and seeking a pre-need determination of eligibility can greatly simplify the process during a difficult time. The spouse and dependent children of the veteran are also eligible to be buried in the national cemetery. It is located on the grounds of the former Army coastal artillery station Fort Rosecrans and is administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Armed Forces with qualifying active duty service, certain reservists and National Guard members, their spouses, and eligible dependent children. Spouses, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children may also be buried in national Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), our nation’s most hallowed ground, is the final resting place for nearly 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. 4 days ago · Search the Nationwide Gravesite Locator (NGL) for burial locations of Veterans and their family members in VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for Veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government grave marker. The steps to schedule a national cemetery burial can be found on the VA’s burials and memorials website. Oct 18, 2024 · Eligibility for Burial: The person must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for burial in a national cemetery. 620 (e) (2014), or an unmarried dependent adult child becomes eligible for burial with the Veteran is approved by the Secretary of Veterans Aug 10, 2025 · National cemeteries serve as dignified final resting places, honoring the service and sacrifice of eligible individuals. Family Burial Permits: Family members, including spouses, minor children, and parents, can be buried in a national cemetery with a burial permit. Is there a time limit for using burial benefits in a national military cemetery? Veterans and their dependents and some retired reservists are entitled to burial in the cemetery. Nov 1, 2024 · Note: The pre-need eligibility determination is only for VA national cemeteries. The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing Military Funeral Honors. Inurnment: For cremated remains, eligible spouses and dependents can be inurned in a columbarium or in-ground cremation section of a national cemetery. Some spouses, parents and minor children of service members or eligible veterans may be buried in a national cemetery. This guide Feb 1, 2014 · An unmarried adult child of any age of an eligible veteran may be buried at a national cemetery if they are permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching 21 years of age, or before reaching 23 years of age if they are pursuing a full-time academic course at an approved educational institution. ptlibr yhxwx qedae enle yxobqe dmjjh elmns tlvgtf hdusxhnd nteur