Veteran burial benefits

Veteran burial benefits are provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).

Eligible veterans may be buried in:

• VA National Cemeteries
• California State Veterans Cemeteries

Burial options may include in-ground burial or placement of cremated remains (ashes).

Notes:

• The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) does not schedule burials
• The VSO can assist with applications and explain benefits

For full details, see the Veteran Burial Benefits Action page

Frequently asked questions

How do I schedule a veteran’s burial?

Families or funeral providers must contact the cemetery directly to schedule burial or placement of cremated remains. The cemetery will coordinate the burial date, time, and placement.

• VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office
  Phone: 800-535-1117
  Email: National Cemetery Scheduling Office
• California State Veterans Cemeteries:
  • Northern California Veterans Cemetery (Igo) 
    Phone: 866-777-4533
  • California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (Seaside) 
    Phone: 831-393-9371

The cemetery will:

• Confirm eligibility
• Schedule the burial
• Coordinate placement (casket or cremated remains)

What documents are needed?

Have the following documents available (as applicable):

• Veteran’s DD-214 (request an official copy from the National Personnel Records Center website)
• Certified Death Certificate (if death has occurred)
• Marriage certificate (for spouse eligibility)

If a VA Form 21-22 (Appointment of Representative) is on file, the Marin County VSO may also be able to access some documentation.

Can I apply for burial eligibility in advance?

Yes.

• VA National Cemetery pre-need application: VA Form 40-10007 – Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility
• California State Veterans Cemetery pre-need: CalVet Burial Eligibility Determination (VSD-002)

The Marin County VSO can help complete and submit pre-need forms.

How do I request military funeral honors?

Military funeral honors are coordinated separately from burial.

They must be requested through the veteran’s branch of service.

See the Military Funeral Honors for Veterans information page for instructions and contact information.

What other items or benefits can be requested?

Eligible families may request:

• Burial flag:
  • Available at USPS locations San Rafael (Bellam Blvd) and Novato.
  • Required documentation includes VA Form 27-2008 and the veteran’s DD-214.
• Headstone or marker:
  • VA Form 40-1330 and the veteran’s DD-214.

Grief support

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides free grief counseling, peer support, and survivor assistance.

• 24/7 Helpline: 800-959-8277
• Website: taps.org
• Email: TAPS Survivor Support or TAPS

Are there benefits for surviving family members?

Yes. Some families may be eligible for:

• Burial reimbursement
• Survivor benefits

See the VA Survivors Benefits information page for more information.

Schedule an appointment if you need assistance:

• Email: Veteran Services
• Phone: 415-473-6193
• Online Appointment Booking: Book an appointment
  • Accessibility Notice: This booking tool may not work with all assistive technology. For assistance scheduling an appointment or to request accommodations, please email Veteran Services or call 415-473-6193. To use the California Relay Service, dial 711.