State Veterans Cemeteries: Who Can Be Buried and What It Costs

A state veterans cemetery is a cemetery for veterans and their eligible family members that is run by a state, territory or tribal government with grant money from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It has to meet VA standards, but it is not part of the national cemetery system, so its rules, fees and scheduling are set by the state. The VA lists 125 grant-funded cemeteries and 158 VA-managed national cemeteries.

How is a state veterans cemetery different from a national cemetery?

The two look alike, and both can carry a government headstone. The differences are in who runs them and who sets the rules.

Figures on grants and cemetery counts come from the VA's Veterans Cemetery Grants Program page. Only state, territorial and federally recognized tribal governments can receive the grants, and the VA says grant-funded cemeteries interred 43,705 veterans and family members in 2025.

Who can be buried in a state veterans cemetery?

Grant-funded cemeteries must serve veterans and their eligible family members only. Beyond that, each state sets its own eligibility, residency and fee rules, and the VA's grant statute does not address residency or plot fees.

There is one federal rule that matters for families. Under 38 U.S.C. 2408(i), the VA cannot make a grant conditional on stopping a state from burying certain Reserve component and National Guard members and certain ROTC members, along with their spouses and children, just because they would not qualify for an open national cemetery. So a state may accept someone a national cemetery would turn away. Whether it does is up to the state.

For the rules that apply to national cemeteries, including service requirements and discharge status, read national cemetery eligibility and honorable discharge and burial benefits.

What does it cost?

The cost depends on the state. Some state cemeteries provide the plot at no charge, and some charge fees, which may differ for veterans and for family members. Funeral home services and a casket or cremation are the family's costs, as they are at national cemeteries.

The VA can help in three ways:

• A plot allowance paid to the state. When a state or tribal cemetery gives the plot at no charge, the VA pays the plot allowance to the state organization, not to you. That amount is up to $1,002 for deaths from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, and up to $1,032 for deaths on or after October 1, 2026. It is adjusted each October 1.
• A burial allowance for you. If the veteran meets the eligibility rules (for example, the death was service-connected or the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation), you can claim up to $2,000 for a service-connected death, or up to $1,002 (deaths October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) or $1,032 (on or after October 1, 2026) for other eligible deaths. See VA burial allowance.
• Free memorial items. The government headstone, marker or medallion, the burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate do not cost the family anything. The VA says spouses and dependent children buried in state veterans cemeteries can also receive a government marker.

How do you find and choose one?

1. Search the VA locator. The VA's "Find a cemetery" tool lists national, state and tribal cemeteries. It shows which cemeteries are national and which are state or tribal.
2. Call the cemetery. Ask who is eligible, whether residency is required, what the fees are for the veteran and for a spouse, whether they take cremated remains and whether they have a columbarium.
3. Ask about planning ahead. The VA's pre-need letter is for national cemeteries. A state cemetery may offer its own pre-registration or plot selection.
4. Compare distance. A state cemetery close to family can be easier for visits than a national cemetery far away. See choosing a cemetery and what a veteran burial plot selection involves.

How do you arrange a burial?

The exact steps vary by state, but most follow this order:

1. Contact the cemetery as soon as the funeral home or family knows the death has occurred. The funeral director can usually make the call.
2. Provide proof of service. The DD214 or other discharge papers are the usual document. If you cannot find them, next of kin can request them from the National Archives.
3. Give personal details for the deceased and the next of kin, and confirm the burial type, casket or cremation.
4. Choose the marker. Ask for a government marker. The inscription on a VA marker in a state cemetery includes the section and grave number.
5. Request honors. Military funeral honors and the flag are separate from the cemetery. See military honors at a funeral.
6. Claim benefits. After the burial, file the burial allowance claim with VA Form 21P-530EZ, within 2 years for a non-service-connected death.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming state means free. Plot and interment fees vary. Ask for the fee schedule.
• Assuming a national cemetery letter works. The VA pre-need letter does not bind a state cemetery.
• Skipping the residency question. Ask before you plan.
• Buying a headstone first. The government marker is free. See VA headstones and markers.

What to do next

1. Find the state veterans cemetery nearest you with the VA's cemetery locator.
2. Call and ask about eligibility, residency, fees for a spouse and pre-registration.
3. Find the DD214 and keep it with the will.
4. Consider a VA pre-need eligibility application as a backup plan for a national cemetery.