Is burial free for veterans in Massachusetts?

Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery (Bourne) includes the gravesite, opening and closing, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care at no cost. Mass.gov lists no charge for eligible veterans at the state veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon. Funeral-home charges are the family's.

Can a spouse be buried with a veteran?

Yes, eligible spouses and dependents can be buried with the veteran in a national cemetery. At the state veterans cemeteries, Mass.gov lists a fee for spouses and dependents: $300 for casket burial and $150 for cremation interment.

Does the VA provide a headstone for a private cemetery?

Yes, for an eligible veteran buried in a private cemetery the VA can provide a headstone, marker, or medallion. That benefit is for the veteran, not for spouses or dependents.

Who helps with veterans burial costs locally?

Each Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans' Service Officer. Under MGL c.115 §8, when an eligible veteran's estate is not enough, the local burial agent may pay up to $4,000, provided the total funeral and burial cost does not exceed $5,000.

Veterans burial

Veterans burial in Massachusetts

Updated October 28, 2026 · 5 cited sources

In short: eligible Massachusetts veterans can be buried at no charge in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne or in the state veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon. The VA also provides a flag, a headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Funeral-home charges are paid by the family.

Where can a veteran be buried in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne. A VA national cemetery with space for casketed and cremated remains ^[1].
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, 1390 Main Street, Agawam ^[3].
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon ^[3].
A private or town cemetery, with VA headstone, marker, or medallion benefits ^[2].

In the Arrangement File master, 20 facilities note a veterans section or veterans service. With the Pass, the desk's Veterans filter lists them.

Who is eligible?

For a national cemetery, generally a veteran who met minimum active-duty requirements and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, plus spouses, minor children, and certain unmarried adult disabled children; some reservists also qualify ^[1]. For the state veterans cemeteries, Mass.gov lists veterans discharged under honorable conditions, members who died on active duty, and Guard or Reserve members with 20 years of service who receive or will receive retirement pay ^[3].

What does the VA provide at no cost?

In a national cemetery: the gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Spouses and dependents buried with the veteran get an inscription ^[2]. Costs from the funeral home are the family's ^[2].

What does a Massachusetts state veterans cemetery charge?

Mass.gov lists no charge for veterans. For spouses and dependents it lists $300 for a full casket burial and $150 for a cremation interment, payable at the time of interment and subject to change ^[3].

Which VA forms apply?

Burial flag: VA Form 27-2008, available from funeral directors, VA regional offices, and post offices ^[2].
Presidential Memorial Certificate: VA Form 40-0247 ^[2].
Burial allowance: VA Form 21P-530EZ. Amounts depend on the circumstances; check the VA ^[2].

Is there local help with funeral costs?

Every Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans' Service Officer ^[5]. Under MGL c.115 §8, when an eligible veteran's estate is not enough to pay, the local burial agent may pay up to $4,000, provided the total cost of the funeral and burial does not exceed $5,000; the deceased's own resources are taken into account ^[4].

Comparing funeral homes for a veteran's service? Start with funeral homes by town and burial vs cremation costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is burial free for veterans in Massachusetts?
Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery (Bourne) includes the gravesite, opening and closing, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care at no cost. Mass.gov lists no charge for eligible veterans at the state veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon. Funeral-home charges are the family's.
Can a spouse be buried with a veteran?
Yes, eligible spouses and dependents can be buried with the veteran in a national cemetery. At the state veterans cemeteries, Mass.gov lists a fee for spouses and dependents: $300 for casket burial and $150 for cremation interment.
Does the VA provide a headstone for a private cemetery?
Yes, for an eligible veteran buried in a private cemetery the VA can provide a headstone, marker, or medallion. That benefit is for the veteran, not for spouses or dependents.
Who helps with veterans burial costs locally?
Each Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans' Service Officer. Under MGL c.115 §8, when an eligible veteran's estate is not enough, the local burial agent may pay up to $4,000, provided the total funeral and burial cost does not exceed $5,000.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws, benefits, and fees change; check the source before you rely on a figure.

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Last reviewed: 2026-10-28. If a posted figure looks wrong, check it against the source named on the row. Arrangement File records what a source printed, or marks the row blank. How we cite.