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Death and Burial Benefits
Cemetery Entitlements
Veterans are eligible for burial at a national or Massachusetts cemetery, provided you served on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Your spouse, and any dependent children, can be buried with you or share your columbarium niche if they pre-decease you and you meet eligibility requirements.
- National Cemetery in Bourne, MA: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/Massachusetts.asp
- Mass. Veterans Cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-veterans-memorial-cemeteries
Do now:
Submit VA Form 40-10007 if you’re unsure of your eligibility; www.va.gov/vaforms
At time of death:
Your loved ones should contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 if you’re interested in burial at a national cemetery.
Burial Plot and Columbarium Niche
Your loved ones won’t pay anything for your burial plot or columbarium niche in the event you chose a national or state veterans cemetery. In the event they predecease you, you will pay $300 to bury them or $150 for their cremation internment.
If you chose a private cemetery, your family will incur burial costs, with two exceptions. First, if you die from service-connected conditions, the VA will reimburse your family up to $2,000. Or second, if you qualified for pension benefits, the VA will reimburse for plot and burial costs up to $948 for each.
After death:
Apply for burial and plot allowances using VA Form 21P-530EZ.
Headstones, Foot Markers, Medallions and Plaques/Urns
You’re entitled to your choice of either a headstone, marker or medallion; or in the case of cremation, either a plaque or an urn. This entitlement includes inscription costs.
You and your spouse receive this benefit at national or state cemeteries, whereas only you receive this benefit at a private cemetery. Delivery is free and within 60 days of death.
At time of death (only for private cemeteries):
Loved ones should use VA Form 40-1330 to submit a claim for a headstone, marker or medallion; or 40-1330UP for an urn or plaque.
Funeral Expenses
Your family will incur the funeral costs, regardless of where you’re buried. Your family will need your DD214 or discharge document to receive the benefits described above.