Spouse and Dependent Burial in National Cemeteries

Burial alongside a veteran is one of the more meaningful benefits available to spouses and dependents - with a few specific rules worth understanding clearly.

Can a spouse be buried in a national cemetery if they die before the veteran?

Yes - eligible spouses can generally be buried in a national cemetery even if they predecease the veteran, with space typically reserved for the veteran to be buried alongside them later.

Does it matter when the marriage took place?

Generally, spouse eligibility isn’t dependent on the marriage occurring during the veteran’s military service - a marriage that took place afterward doesn’t automatically disqualify a spouse.

Does remarriage after the veteran’s death affect a surviving spouse’s own eligibility?

In some circumstances, yes - this is a genuinely case-specific question worth confirming directly with the VA rather than assuming either way.

What about dependent children?

Certain dependent children - including minor children and, in some cases, adult children who became permanently disabled before a specific age - may also be eligible for burial in the same national cemetery. Specific rules apply and are worth confirming directly given individual family circumstances.

Is there a cost for spouse or dependent burial?

Generally no cost for the burial itself, similar to the veteran’s own burial - though this is separate from the government headstone benefit, which is specifically a veteran’s benefit rather than automatically extending to spouses and dependents. See our guide on VA headstones and markers for how that specific benefit works.

Where can I learn about broader survivor benefits?

See our guide on benefits for surviving spouses and dependents for the fuller range of financial and other support available beyond burial itself.

Eligibility rules for spouses and dependents are detailed and can change — confirm current specifics directly with the VA or a Veterans Service Officer.