Veterans Burial Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides meaningful burial benefits — including a United States flag and a headstone or marker — at no cost to the families of eligible veterans. Here is what is available and how we help you claim it.
The United States Burial Flag
A U.S. flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a veteran who served honorably. After its use during the funeral service, the flag is presented to the next of kin as a keepsake. The VA issues one flag per veteran, applied for with VA Form 27-2008 — and as your funeral director, we generally take care of obtaining it for you.
Government Headstones & Markers
The VA furnishes, upon request and at no charge, a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any eligible veteran, in any cemetery in the world. Flat markers are available in granite, marble, and bronze; upright headstones in granite and marble; and niche markers for columbaria. Setting fees in a private cemetery are the family's responsibility.
How to Apply
Eligibility rests on the veteran's discharge documents, most commonly the DD Form 214. We help families complete the applications and file the necessary paperwork with the VA so no earned benefit goes unclaimed. For more information, the VA can be reached toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.
