Retiree Burial Benefits

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Retired Col. Susan Myers, right, stands with her daughter Amelia Greene and salutes as the casket of her husband, Army Maj. Gen. Harold Greene, is carried by an honor guard during a burial service at, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Retired Col. Susan Myers, right, stands with her daughter Amelia Greene and salutes as the casket of her husband, Army Maj. Gen. Harold Greene, is carried by an honor guard during a burial service at, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Retirees, as well as their dependents can be buried in any VA National Cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, and most State Veterans Cemeteries for free. While VA and Arlington National Cemeteries charge no fees for a veteran to be buried there. They may charge a fee for a veteran's spouse to be buried with the veteran, though. Most State Veterans Cemeteries have residency requirements, and some charge a small fee for the burial of dependents. 

The VA will also provide a free headstone or marker for the retiree's remains at any cemetery in the world.

VA will also issue a burial allowance to retirees. The amount varies depending on the cause of death. If a retiree dies as a result of their military service it is higher. If they die in a VA hospital it is even higher. 

Memorial flags and military funeral honors are also available. 

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