How much does a funeral cost in 2026?

A direct cremation averages $1,200, while a full traditional burial averages $8,500. Costs vary by city and service type. Use our city comparison tool to find pricing in your area.

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Yes. Direct cremation ($595-3,200) is typically $5,500-66,800 less expensive than a full traditional burial ($4,600-20,000+) when accounting for all associated costs including cemetery plot and headstone.

Does the VA pay for veteran funeral costs?

Yes. Eligible veterans receive free burial at 155+ national cemeteries, a free headstone, burial flag, and up to $2,000 in burial allowance. Spouses and dependents are also eligible.

Veterans Burial Benefits: Free Cemetery, Headstone & Burial Allowance 2026

Expert-reviewed guide from FinalCostGuide — independent funeral pricing data, no funeral home affiliation.

VA Burial Benefits: What Veterans and Families Need to Know

Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are entitled to free burial at a VA national cemetery, including the gravesite, grave opening and closing, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost to the family. Despite these generous benefits, an estimated 75% of eligible veterans' families don't use them — primarily because they don't know they exist.

What's Included (Free)

Gravesite at any VA national cemetery with available space (155+ cemeteries nationwide)
Grave opening and closing — the cemetery handles all excavation and closing
Government headstone or marker — granite, marble, or bronze, inscribed with veteran's name, rank, branch of service, and dates
Burial flag — provided for the funeral service, typically given to next of kin afterward
Presidential Memorial Certificate — signed by the current President
Perpetual care of the gravesite — the cemetery maintains it forever

Burial Allowance (Cash Payment)

In addition to the free cemetery benefits above, the VA provides a cash burial allowance to help with funeral home expenses:

Situation	Maximum Allowance
Service-connected death	$2,000
Non-service-connected death (veteran was hospitalized by VA at time of death)	$893
Non-service-connected death (veteran was NOT hospitalized by VA)	$300

Who Is Eligible?

The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet at least one of these criteria: served during wartime, served at least 24 months of continuous active duty, died while on active duty, or was receiving a VA pension or disability compensation. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for burial alongside the veteran at no additional cost.

What's NOT Covered

The VA does NOT pay for: funeral home services (embalming, casket, viewing, ceremony), transportation of the body to the funeral home, cremation fees, or flowers/obituary. These costs must be covered by the family — which is why even with full VA benefits, families should still compare funeral home prices for the services the VA doesn't cover.

How to Access VA Burial Benefits

At the time of need: the funeral director typically contacts the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office (1-800-535-1117) to arrange burial. The funeral home will also assist with applying for the burial allowance (VA Form 21P-530). Pre-need: veterans can pre-determine eligibility by contacting the VA or their chosen national cemetery directly.