Veteran Memorial Benefits Guide

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides memorial benefits for eligible veterans. TributeIQ helps you determine eligibility and understand the application process.


Who is eligible:

  • Veterans who served in active military service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
  • Service members who died while on active duty
  • Certain National Guard and Reserve members

    • Available benefits:

  • Government headstone or marker: Free, provided by the VA in granite, marble, or bronze
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate: Signed by the current President
  • Burial flag: U.S. flag for draping the casket
  • Burial allowance: Partial reimbursement for burial expenses (service-connected death)
  • National cemetery burial: Free burial in a VA national cemetery

    • How to apply:

  • Obtain the veteran's DD Form 214 (discharge papers)
  • Complete VA Form 40-1330 for a headstone or marker
  • Submit to the Memorial Programs Service
  • Allow 8-12 weeks for processing and delivery

    • Important: Even if a family purchases a private monument, the veteran may still be eligible for a government marker to be placed alongside it.

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