Arrange a national-cemetery burial
Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to request and confirm a burial.
Who this program may help
The scheduling office reviews service and applicable family eligibility. A pre-need letter can help.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Use the applicable cemetery contact
Burial arrangements may be urgent.
Call the scheduling office at 800-535-1117. For an active-duty death, use the cemetery’s direct instructions.
Why this matters
Do not wait to finish a benefits tutorial before calling.
Official action:
Call the National Cemetery Scheduling OfficeThe office explains the required information.
Official references
2. Prepare service and arrangement details
The office asks about the deceased, next of kin and proposed burial.
Have available service documents, the pre-need letter and cemetery or inscription preferences.
Why this matters
The office needs both eligibility and arrangement information.
Documents for this step
- Available discharge documents recommended
- Pre-need eligibility letter
A determination was issued
conditional - Next-of-kin and burial-arrangement details preparation
The office may locate records or explain needed evidence.
Official references
3. Send requested service documents, then call
The scheduling instructions allow fax or scanned-email service evidence.
Fax to 866-900-6417 or use the scheduling email, then call to confirm the request.
Why this matters
Sending a document alone does not confirm the scheduled burial.
Ask for the actual scheduling confirmation.
The office verifies received information and burial availability.
Official references
4. Confirm the service with the cemetery
The cemetery confirms its available arrangements.
Review the date, location, arrival and funeral-honors instructions with the cemetery or funeral director.
Why this matters
A pre-need approval or expense application does not set these arrangements.
Retain the cemetery’s confirmation.
The cemetery completes arrangements and explains memorial services.