Page 8 - MarinerMagazine_23Spring

TIPS & CLIPS

Who’s Eligible for Burial in a VA

National Cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and

dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA

national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if

Joanne Elliott, YNC they meet one of these requirements.
National President

One of these must be true:

n The person qualifying for burial benefits is a Veteran or minor child of a Veteran, even if the Veteran died
who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, or first, or
n The person qualifying for burial benefits is a service n The person qualifying for burial benefits is in some
member who died while on active duty, active duty cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a
for training, or inactive duty for training, or Veteran
n The person qualifying for burial benefits is the spouse

Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery

You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried planning process easier for your family members in their
in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need deter- time of need. Follow the steps below to apply.
mination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial

What information do I need to apply?

To apply, you’ll need your (or your sponsor’s): If you’re applying as a spouse, surviving spouse, or
n Social Security number unmarried adult child, you’ll also need your personal
n Date and place of birth information, including your Social Security number.
n Military status and service history (like service dates,
discharge character, and rank—commonly found on If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you’ll
the DD214 or other separation documents) also need supporting documents showing you have the
n Discharge papers (DD214 or other separation authority to apply for that person. You’ll need to fill out
documents) one of these forms:
n Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as
Note: If you don’t have discharge papers, find out how Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22) Get VA
to request the DD214 at https://www.va.gov/records/ Form 21-22 to download at https://www.va.gov/
get-military-service-records/. find-forms/about-form-21-22/
Or

8 The Mariner • 2023 SPRING Edition • Volume 66 • Issue 1

5/18/23 3:14 PM
Mariner Spring 2023 Volume 66 Issue 051823.indd 8
Mariner Spring 2023 Volume 66 Issue 051823.indd 8 5/18/23 3:14 PM