Burial planning
VA pre-need burial eligibility
Settle it now so your family is not scrambling later.
What it is
VA lets you apply in advance to find out whether you are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. This is planning only. It does not schedule a burial and does not reserve a gravesite.
Who can apply
Veterans, service members, and certain family members: the spouse or surviving spouse of a Veteran, and a minor child or, in some cases, an unmarried adult dependent child.
What you need
- Social Security number and date of birth
- Military history
- Your DD214 or separation papers (recommended, not required)
- Applying for someone else: court appointment papers, power of attorney or caregiver documents, plus VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a
- Adult dependent child: disability verification from a health care provider
Social Security numberdate of birth
DD214separation papers
Adult dependent childdisability verification
How to apply, step by step
- Online: use VA's online application (sign-in may be needed).
- Or by mail: send VA Form 40-10007 (form page) to NCA Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547.
- Or by fax to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 866-900-6417.
How to apply, step by step
Traps to avoid
This is VA national cemeteries only. It does not guarantee your preferred cemetery. For a state cemetery, you contact that cemetery about its own pre-registration. For Arlington National Cemetery, apply through Arlington separately.
Do not confuse this with burial money (allowances) your survivors claim later.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. Source: va.gov schedule a burial
- VA main information line (MyVA411), 24/7: 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Source: va.gov/contact-us
Official pages
Free accredited help