Servicemembers and veterans, and their spouses, are eligible for burial at national cemeteries. Also eligible are minor dependent children and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities. An eligible spouse and children may be buried in a national cemetery even if they predecease the veteran.

If you or a loved one are considering burial in a national cemetery, here are three helpful considerations:

Locate the nearest cemetery. The VA operates 156 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. However, not every state has a VA cemetery. To find a cemetery close to you, visit https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov.

[MOAA PUBLICATION: Your Guide to Military Burials]

Plan ahead. Make an emotional and stressful time less difficult by completing arrangements in advance. Learn more about the pre-need eligibility determination process, and fill out forms online, at this link. Other needed documents, such as a DD Form 214 or other separation documents, can be requested online.

Know your resources. Don't underestimate what the VA can do for you. You can learn more about VA burial benefits from local VA national cemetery offices, the National Cemetery Administration, and VA regional offices, toll-free at (800) 827-1000.

MOAA’s publication Preparing for the Loss of a Military Spouse can provide further helpful guidance for getting your affairs in order. Premium and Life members can download the publication here.