By MOAA Staff; last updated May 8, 2026.
If you are considering a VA cemetery as your final resting place, the department’s Pre-Need Eligibility program can answer your questions now, rather than burden your family with them later.
The VA approved more than 300,000 pre-need applications from 2021 through September 2025. The process can be completed online, or materials can be mailed or faxed.
May 28 MOAA Webinar: Understanding Your Military and Veteran Burial Benefits
End-of-life decisions can be difficult, but MOAA strongly encourages our members to address your wishes with your loved ones.
Join MOAA’s financial and benefits professional – Capt. Paul Frost, USN (Ret), AFC® – for a free comprehensive review of this important subject, including details on finding a national cemetery, VA burial eligibility and services, Arlington National Cemetery eligibility, and much more.
Can’t make the May 28 webinar? No problem. Register now and we’ll send you a link to the recording.
What You’ll Need
Veterans (or their beneficiaries) must have their Social Security number, birthplace, and some service history details commonly found on a DD-214. Those without a copy of their DD-214, or those who need paperwork for a veteran sponsor, can learn more about requesting service records. Please note that you do not need to send in a copy of your DD-214 with your application, though it is preferred.
If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, additional forms may be required to show you have the authority to do so.
You may also select a preferred cemetery from the list of national cemeteries – the form does not apply to Arlington National Cemetery or to state or tribal veterans cemeteries. Selecting a preferred cemetery does not mean you have to be buried in that cemetery or any national cemetery. Cemeteries are first-come, first-served due to space availability.
Once your material is prepared, you can:
- Sign in and fill out the materials online. You’ll either receive a notice by mail about the decision or a phone call requesting more information.
- Download and complete this form. Return it via fax to (855) 840-8299 or by mail to NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547.
Other Benefits and Questions
Veterans planning burial at a private cemetery may be eligible for a no-charge headstone, marker, or medallion.
For more information about the Pre-Need Eligibility program, answers to benefits questions, or assistance in filling out eligibility forms for yourself or in support of a veteran, reach out to the VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA) at (800) 535-1117. The NCA scheduling office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
MOAA Can Help
Consider these resources as you begin or continue your end-of-life planning process:
- Everplans: This MOAA partner offers member-exclusive discounts on its digital vault, which can help you secure and organize your estate documents, among other materials.
- Your Guide to Military Burials: This resource covers your service-earned burial benefits in detail.
- Surviving Spouse Resources: Links to publications, monthly features, and other resources for survivors, including planning documents.
Get Help Navigating VA Benefits
Questions about VA benefits? Start here. PREMIUM and LIFE Members have direct access to our webinar archive with to-the-point information on everything from claims and appeals to concurrent receipt to home loans and more.