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. To assist them, VA launched the "Pre-Need Program" to determine eligibility and to help Veterans prepare for burial at the time of need. Having this information will help Veterans use the benefits they have earned for themselves and for families. Once eligibility is determined, Veterans and eligible family members will be entitled to some or all of the following at no cost:
- Burial in any open VA national cemetery, including opening and closing of the grave
- Grave liner
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- Government-furnished upright headstone, flat marker or niche cover
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Eligibility
The law provides eligibility for burial in a national cemetery to:
- Members of the armed forces;
- Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements as applicable by law and who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Members of the reserve components of the armed forces are also eligible, provided they:
- Died while on active duty under certain circumstances, or while on training duty;
- Have 20 years of service creditable for retired pay; or
- Were called to active duty and served the full term of service.
The Veterans' spouse, minor children and under certain conditions dependent unmarried adult children are eligible for burial even if they predecease the eligible Veteran.
Applying for Benefits
VA encourages Veterans and their spouses to apply for a pre-need burial eligibility determination. Authorized representatives can also apply on behalf of eligible claimants.
To apply, submit:
- VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery; and
- Proof of military service, such as a DD Form 214, if available (VA will attempt to locate documents that the Veteran or eligible party cannot locate).
Information should be submitted to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by any of the following methods:
Fax: 1-855-840-8299 (this is a toll-free number)
Mail:
NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
Individuals do not need to request a pre-need burial determination to be eligible at the time of need. There is no obligation for those found eligible to be buried in a VA national cemetery.
What to Expect After Applying
VA will review pre-need burial applications and provide written notice of a determination of eligibility. VA will save the information electronically for future reference and to expediteprocessing burial claims at the time of need.
Note: Applicants should save a copy of all documents submitted and the decision letter received. It is also a good idea to communicate with one's loved ones or estate planners where the documents are, and about the preference to be buried in a VA national cemetery.
At The Time of Need
At the eligible party's time of death, the family or representative should contact VA to request burial benefits. VA will confirm the pre-need eligibility determination and schedule the burial.
Because laws and personal circumstances change, VA will validate the pre-need decision using the laws in effect at the time VA receives the burial request and will also check for any bars to receipt of the burial benefit.
Please note that applicants may indicate a preference for a VA national cemetery on the application form, but a pre-need determination of eligibility does not guarantee burial in a specific VA national cemetery or a specific gravesite. VA assigns gravesites in cemeteries with available space once death has occurred and the burial is scheduled.
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