How to plan a burial in a VA national cemetery

Veterans can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. Planning ahead saves your family time and stress later.

What you may need

Step 1: Apply ahead of time (pre-need)
You can find out now if you qualify. Use VA Form 40-10007. This helps your family later.
Step 2: Know what is free
Burial in a national cemetery includes the grave, opening and closing, a headstone or marker, and care forever. A spouse may also be buried there.
Step 3: At the time of need, call the scheduling office
The family or funeral home calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to set the burial date.
Step 4: Ask about burial money
The VA may help pay for burial and funeral costs. Families apply with VA Form 21P-530EZ.
Step 5: Ask for honors and a certificate
Families can ask for military funeral honors, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Tell your family where you keep your DD214 and your pre-need letter.

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