# The True Cost of Burial in a Veterans Cemetery: What You Need to Know
When it comes to honoring the service of our nation’s veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs has established a comprehensive system to ensure that final arrangements don’t become a financial burden on families. One of the most significant benefits available to eligible veterans is burial in a VA national cemetery, and understanding the actual costs involved is essential for families planning ahead.
The straightforward answer is this: burial in a VA national cemetery costs absolutely nothing to the family once the veteran’s remains reach the cemetery gate. This is one of the most important facts that families need to understand, and it represents a substantial benefit that can save thousands of dollars compared to private cemetery burial options.[1][3]
## What Is Included in Free VA Cemetery Burial
When a veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the government covers all the essential costs associated with the burial process. This comprehensive coverage includes the gravesite itself, which means the family does not pay for the plot of land. The opening and closing of the grave, which involves the labor and equipment needed to prepare the burial site, is also completely covered by the VA.[1][3][5]
The perpetual care of the burial site is another major component of this benefit. This means that the cemetery will maintain the grounds indefinitely, ensuring that the veteran’s final resting place remains well-kept and dignified for generations to come. Families never have to worry about future maintenance costs or cemetery upkeep fees.[1][3][5]
Additionally, the VA provides a government headstone or marker at no cost to the family. Veterans can choose from several options, including traditional upright stones, flat bronze markers, and medallions that can be placed in private cemeteries if the veteran is not buried in a VA cemetery.[1] This personalized marker ensures that the veteran’s service is properly commemorated.
The burial flag, which is a significant symbol of military honor, is also provided by the government at no charge. This flag is presented to the family during the burial service as a tribute to the veteran’s service to the country.[3][4][5]
## How This Compares to Private Cemetery Burial
To truly appreciate the value of VA cemetery burial, it helps to understand what families would pay if they chose a private cemetery instead. The costs for traditional burial in a private cemetery can be substantial and vary significantly depending on geographic location.[2]
In the New England region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, a traditional funeral with burial costs an average of 8,985 dollars. In the Middle Atlantic states including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, families can expect to pay around 8,573 dollars. The South Atlantic region, which covers Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia, averages 8,023 dollars for a traditional funeral and burial.[2]
Moving to other regions, the East South Central states of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee average 7,615 dollars. The West South Central region, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, averages 7,912 dollars. The East North Central states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin average 8,280 dollars. The West North Central region covering Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska averages 8,755 dollars. The Mountain states including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming average 7,390 dollars. Finally, the Pacific region of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington averages 7,835 dollars.[2]
These costs typically include a metal burial casket averaging 2,500 dollars, a vault averaging 1,695 dollars, and a basic memorial printed package averaging 195 dollars.[2] When you compare these private cemetery costs to the zero cost of VA cemetery burial, the financial benefit becomes immediately apparent.
## The Burial Allowance for Veterans Not Using VA Cemeteries
For veterans who choose not to be buried in a VA national cemetery, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a burial allowance to help offset funeral expenses. This allowance is set at 2,000 dollars to help defray the costs of funeral and burial services.[2] While this is helpful, it represents only a fraction of the total costs families would incur with private cemetery burial.
## Eligibility Requirements for VA Cemetery Burial
Not all veterans automatically qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery, so it is important to understand the eligibility requirements. A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge is eligible for these benefits.[3][4][9] Active duty service members who die while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training are also eligible.[4][9]
Beyond just the veteran, certain family members may also qualify. The spouse of a veteran is eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, even if the veteran has already passed away and is buried elsewhere.[4] Minor children of a veteran are also eligible, as are unmarried adult dependent children in some cases.[4]
## The Pre-Need Application Process
One of the smartest steps a veteran or their family can take is to complete a pre-need burial eligibility application through the VA. This process takes less than ten minutes to complete online and can save families thousands of dollars in burial costs by determining eligibility in advance.[5] By completing this application before the need arises, families can simplify the process during what is often a difficult and emotional time.
Veterans and spouses who want to be buried in a VA national cemetery can apply to find out in advance if they are eligible. This starting point in end-of-life planning allows families to make informed decisions about their burial arrangements and ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed ahead of time.[5]
## Additional Memorial Benefits
Beyond the basic burial benefits, the VA provides several additional honors and recognition items. Every veteran buried in a VA national cemetery receives a Presidential Memorial Certificate, which is signed by the President and recognizes the veteran’s dedication and sacrifice.[3][4] This certificate serves as an official acknowledgment of the veteran’s service to the nation.
Military funeral honors are also provided by the Military Services for veterans buried in VA national cemeteries.[5] These honors typically include a flag-folding ceremony and the playing of Taps, which adds a solemn and respectful element to the burial service.
Veterans can also create a Veterans Legacy Memorial profile page through the VA, which allows family members and friends to share memories and information about the veteran’s service and life.[5]
## Special Options for Navy Veterans
Navy veterans have access to a unique burial option that goes beyond standard VA cemetery burial. The Department of the Navy offers burial at sea for eligible Navy veterans.[1] This option allows for the transportation of either cremains or casketed remains to ports such as Norfolk, Virginia, or San Diego, California. The Navy handles the entire committal
