Can Spouses Be Buried in Veteran Cemeteries?
In the United States, military veterans and their families are entitled to burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). One question that often arises is whether spouses of veterans are allowed to be buried in veteran cemeteries alongside their loved ones. The answer is not a straightforward yes or no, but rather depends on various factors.
Overview of Veterans’ Burial Benefits
The VA offers burial benefits to eligible veterans, which include:
• Mausoleum or casket burial
• Grave decoration and marking
• Headstones or markers
• Burial flags
The VA operates 14 national cemeteries, 133 state veterans cemeteries, and 64 VA-owned tribal cemeteries across the country.
Burial Eligibility for Spouses
According to the VA, a spouse can be buried in a national cemetery if the veteran died while on active duty, was a member of the Selected Reserve, or is buried in the national cemetery. However, there are additional requirements:
• Marriage duration: The spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year.
• Survivor benefits: The spouse must be eligible for survivor benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Burial Eligibility for Other Family Members
In addition to spouses, other family members may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery, including:
• Children: Children of a veteran can be buried in a national cemetery if the child dies before reaching age 21 or is mentally or physically disabled.
• Foster children: Foster children who were being cared for by the veteran at the time of their death can also be buried in a national cemetery.
Residency Requirements
To be eligible for burial in a national cemetery, the applicant must have a permanent place of residence in the state where the cemetery is located. This applies to veterans, spouses, and children.
How to Apply for Burial Benefits
To apply for burial benefits, including eligibility for spouse burial, veterans and their families must:
• Submit a DD Form 214: A copy of the veteran’s discharge paper, DD Form 214, is required.
• Provide documentation: Other documentation, such as birth and death certificates, may be required.
• Apply online: The application process can be completed online through the VA’s Benefits.gov website.
• Contact the VA: Alternatively, applicants can contact their local VA regional office for assistance.
Table: Burial Benefits Eligibility
| Benefit | Veteran | Spouse | Child | Foster Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burial in National Cemetery | Yes | With 1-year marriage and survivor benefits | With surviving parent | With surviving veteran |
| Grave Decoration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headstone or Marker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Burial Flag | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
In summary, spouses of veterans may be eligible for burial in national cemeteries if they meet specific eligibility requirements, including a minimum one-year marriage duration and eligibility for survivor benefits. Other family members, including children and foster children, may also be eligible under certain circumstances. By understanding the eligibility criteria and the application process, veterans and their families can ensure their loved ones receive the respectful burial benefits they deserve.
Additional Resources
• Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Burial and Memorial Items. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/brochures/burial-benefits-brochure.pdf
• Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Apply for Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.benefits.gov/
• National Cemetery Administration. (n.d.). National Cemeteries. Retrieved from https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/ncp/index.asp
Note: This article aims to provide a general overview of the topic and may not be a comprehensive resource for all circumstances. Consult the VA and other trusted sources for more detailed information.
