Can spouses be buried in veterans cemeteries?

You may know that most veterans can be buried in state and national veterans cemeteries for little or no money, but what about their spouses and other dependents?

Your spouse may be eligible to be buried with you in a veteran's cemetery for little or no cost. However, if you and your spouse divorced and remarried, he or she is probably not eligible. Dependent children may also be eligible. Some parents of those killed on active duty may also be eligible.

As usual, only veterans with a service-connected discharge (and their dependents) are eligible for this burial benefit. There are other restrictions for those convicted of certain crimes.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is operated by the Department of the Army. Therefore, its rules are somewhat different from those of veterans' national cemeteries, which are operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The cemetery also lacks space for new burials.

Therefore, burials and shrines - the placement of cremated remains within a large wall - are restricted to certain groups. Currently, burials at Arlington National Cemetery are open to:

• Members killed on active duty and their immediate family members
• Pensioners and their immediate family members
• Purple Heart or Silver Star recipients and above, as well as their immediate family members
• Any honorably discharged prisoner of war who died after November 30, 1993, and their immediate family members

Veterans and their dependents and some retired reservists are entitled to burial in the cemetery.

The cemetery will install a headstone/monument for both the veteran and their dependents.

Veterans National Cemeteries

These cemeteries are operated by the Department of Defense. There are currently 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Find a VA cemetery near you.

Burial is available to any veteran who has received a discharge for length of service as well as his or her dependents. VA will install a headstone/monument for the veteran and his/her dependent.

Victoria National Cemeteries

State veterans' cemeteries

Many states have their own cemeteries for veterans. Eligibility is similar to VA national cemeteries, but may include residency requirements.

Most states provide the veteran with a free burial and headstone; many charge a fee of less than $1,000 for eligible dependents.

State veterans' cemeteries

Other cemeteries

VA can provide a free headstone or marker to all eligible veterans buried in any cemetery worldwide; however, it does not pay the cost of installing the marker. Some states reimburse these costs.

Dependents are not eligible for this benefit, but some states may provide a tombstone for dependents.