VA Burial Benefits in Delaware: Cemeteries, Headstones & Flags

Veterans Cemetery Delaware: 2026 Burial Guide for Veterans and Families

Delaware operates two state veterans cemeteries: the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear (New Castle County) and the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro (Sussex County). Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children can be buried at no cost for the veteran’s plot and interment. Apply using the Application for Burial with a copy of the veteran’s DD214.

Quick Facts

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Overview

Delaware operates two state veterans cemeteries under the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. The New Castle County cemetery in Bear opened in October 1989 and has undergone a $5.3 million vault expansion funded by the federal VA. The Sussex County cemetery in Millsboro opened October 15, 1999, and was expanded with a $1.8 million VA grant that added 400 standard burial plots, 1,140 pre-placed crypts, 200 in-ground cremains sites, and 1,280 columbarium niches.

Important distinction: Delaware does not have a VA national cemetery. The two cemeteries in Bear and Millsboro are state-operated veterans cemeteries funded through a combination of state funds and VA State Cemetery Grants. Veterans interred in grant-funded state veterans cemeteries receive the same burial and memorial benefits provided to veterans in VA national cemeteries at no cost, including a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Delaware’s state veterans cemeteries are among the most accessible in the Mid-Atlantic. The nearest VA national cemetery is Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania, approximately 200 miles from Millsboro. The nearest state veterans cemetery outside Delaware is roughly 80 miles from the Bear cemetery.

Cemetery Locations and Contact Information

Office and Visitation Hours

Administrative Offices: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed weekends and all National or State recognized holidays.

Grounds and Visitation: The cemeteries are open to visitors every day of the year from dawn until dusk. A golf cart is available to transport handicapped or disabled individuals to graves Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. A grave locator kiosk is available at each administration building to help visitors find specific burial locations.

Eligibility for Burial in Delaware Veterans Cemeteries

Eligibility for interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries is established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA Directive 3210), with specific exceptions added by Delaware law. Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children may be interred at both cemeteries.

Who Qualifies for Burial

Veterans who qualify:

1. Any Delaware resident who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), other than active duty for training (ADT), or a reservist who served more than 180 days of active federal service. Federal active service does not have to be consecutive.

2. Any Delaware National Guardsman or Reservist who served on active duty (other than for training) for 180 days or more (does not have to be consecutive) and/or is eligible for Guard/Reserve retirement pay at age 60.

3. Any person who retired honorably as a member of the National Guard or Reserve forces of the United States.

4. Any person who served as a Merchant Marine for a minimum of 2 years between December 7, 1941, and August 15, 1945.

5. Veterans who die under honorable conditions while serving on active duty.

Spouses and dependents who qualify:

• The veteran’s spouse, upon pre-qualification of the eligible veteran.

• Dependent children under 21 years of age and not married, or having a verifiable life-long dependency on the eligible veteran.

Residency Requirements

The veteran must have been a legal resident of Delaware under at least one of the following conditions:

• Legal resident of Delaware at the time of death; or

• Legal resident for a period of 3 or more cumulative years (does not have to be consecutive), regardless of residency at the time of death; or

• Legal resident of Delaware when he or she entered the Armed Forces of the United States.

Important exception: Any person who, for at least 20 years, was a member of the Delaware National Guard or a reserve unit located within Delaware shall not be subject to a residency requirement.

Waiver provision: The rules promulgated by the Commission shall make provision for waiving the residency requirement for compelling reasons.

Who Is NOT Eligible for Burial

The National Cemetery Administration’s criteria precludes eligibility under the following conditions:

1. Former spouses — Divorce or annulment from the eligible veteran terminates eligibility for a person not otherwise eligible.

2. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, or in-laws — These persons are not entitled to interment by reason of relationship to an eligible veteran, even if they are dependent upon the veteran for support or are members of the veteran’s household.

3. Persons subject to Public Law 105-116 — This law prohibits burial of anyone convicted of a federal or state capital crime and sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

4. Veterans with a less-than-honorable discharge — Unless a Character of Discharge review changes the status.

Burial Eligibility Decision Tree

Step 1: Was the veteran honorably discharged?

• No → Not eligible (unless discharge upgraded through review)

• Yes → Continue to Step 2

Step 2: Did the veteran serve at least 180 days of active federal service?

• No → Check if eligible for Guard/Reserve retirement pay at age 60

• Yes → Continue to Step 3

Step 3: Was the veteran a Delaware resident at time of death, for 3+ cumulative years, or when entering service?

• No → Check if 20+ year member of Delaware National Guard or Delaware reserve unit

• Yes → Continue to Step 4

Step 4: Is the applicant the veteran, spouse, or dependent child?

• Veteran → Eligible for no-cost plot and interment

• Spouse/Dependent → Eligible with $300 fee, subject to pre-qualification of veteran

What Burial Benefits Are Included

Burial in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries includes several benefits at no cost to the veteran’s family. Veterans interred in these grant-funded state veterans cemeteries receive the same burial and memorial benefits provided to veterans in VA national cemeteries.

Benefits Provided at No Cost to Veterans

What Is Not Covered

• Funeral expenses (must be paid out of private funds)

• Transportation costs

• Additional inscriptions beyond VA-authorized items

• Private headstones or markers (though a VA medallion may be affixed to a privately purchased marker in some cases)

How to Apply for Burial in a Delaware Veterans Cemetery

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Application for Burial

Download the Application for Burial in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery from vets.delaware.gov. The form asks for:

• Veteran’s name, address, and contact information

• Branch of service and service number

• Date entered service and discharge date

• Type of discharge and highest rank

• Veteran’s date of birth and Social Security number

• Spouse’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number (if applicable)

• Length of Delaware residency (in years)

• Whether the spouse wishes to be buried with the veteran

• Preference of burial location (New Castle or Sussex)

Step 2: Gather required documents

• A copy of the veteran’s DD214 or Record of Service

• Proof of Delaware residency if required

Step 3: Submit the application

Mail the completed form with a copy of the DD214 to the cemetery of your choice or to:

Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs
802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904

You may also complete the application online at www.veteransaffairs.delaware.gov.

Step 4: Pre-qualification (for spouses)

Spouses must be pre-qualified through the eligible veteran. The veteran must meet eligibility requirements before the spouse can be approved for burial.

Step 5: At time of need

Contact the cemetery administrator at the location of your choice. The cemetery will coordinate with the funeral home for interment arrangements.

Application Deadlines and Processing

There is no deadline for submitting the Application for Burial. Veterans and spouses are encouraged to pre-apply to ensure eligibility is established before the time of need. Pre-application does not reserve a specific plot but confirms eligibility. Applications are processed as received.

Where to Submit Your Application

Fee Schedule for Spouses and Dependents

While veterans are buried at no cost, fees apply for the burial of spouses and dependents. The following fees are established by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.

No fee is charged for any plot and interment provided to any eligible veteran or member of the armed forces of the United States.

Burial Options: Casketed and Cremated Remains

Both Delaware veterans cemeteries offer ample space to accommodate casketed and cremated remains. Burial options include:

• Full-casket burial in pre-placed crypts or standard burial plots

• In-ground cremains burial

• Columbarium niches for cremated remains

The New Castle County cemetery has undergone a $5.3 million vault expansion and infrastructure improvement project funded by the federal VA. The Sussex County cemetery expansion added 400 standard burial plots, 1,140 pre-placed crypts, 200 in-ground cremains, and 1,280 columbarium niches.

Current Expansion Projects (2026)

Delaware has allocated $7 million in Fiscal Year 2026 to expand the veterans cemeteries in both Millsboro and Bear. The Millsboro expansion will add 2,000 field vaults. The Bear cemetery will add columbarium capacity. These expansions ensure continued burial space for Delaware veterans and their families for years to come.

VA Burial Benefits Available to Delaware Veterans

In addition to the state cemetery benefits, Delaware veterans and their families may be eligible for federal VA burial benefits. These benefits apply whether burial occurs in a Delaware state veterans cemetery, a private cemetery, or a VA national cemetery.

VA Burial Allowance

VA burial allowances are flat-rate monetary benefits that help cover burial and funeral costs. Eligible surviving spouses are paid automatically upon notification of the veteran’s death. There is no need to submit a claim if the spouse is eligible. If the surviving spouse has not been paid automatically, VA will pay whomever files the claim first.

Service-Connected Death:

Non-Service-Connected Death:

Important note: There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance. For non-service-connected burial allowance, claims must be filed within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation.

How to Apply for VA Burial Allowance

Apply online at VA.gov or submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Allowance) by mail. You will need:

• The veteran’s DD214

• Death certificate

• Funeral or burial invoice showing expenses paid

• Proof of relationship for surviving spouses

VA Headstones and Markers

The VA furnishes, upon request and at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of the veteran’s date of death.

Types of headstones and markers available:

• Upright granite or marble headstone (42″ x 13″ x 4″)

• Flat granite or marble marker (24″ x 12″ x 4″)

• Flat bronze marker (24″ x 12″)

• Bronze niche marker (8½” x 5½”)

For burial in a Delaware state veterans cemetery: The cemetery official will assist with applying for the headstone or marker. A bronze marker is furnished upon application to the VA at no cost.

For burial in a private cemetery: Use VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. The form must be signed by the applicant, the consignee, and the cemetery official. Arrangements for placing the marker are the applicant’s responsibility, and all setting fees are at private expense.

Burial Flags

A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. The flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake after its use during the funeral service.

How to apply: Complete VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. VA regional benefit offices and some post offices are the primary issuing points for burial flags. The funeral home will generally help obtain a flag.

Important limitation: By law, VA can issue only one flag for a veteran’s funeral. It cannot be replaced if lost, destroyed, or stolen.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is a gold-embossed paper certificate bearing the official signature of the President of the United States. It honors the memory of a deceased veteran discharged under honorable conditions and expresses the country’s grateful recognition of their service.

Eligibility: The deceased veteran’s next of kin, relatives, friends, or an authorized service representative.

How to apply: Complete VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form. Submit it with a copy of the veteran’s military discharge document and a copy of the death certificate. Requests can be made in person at any VA Regional Office, by U.S. mail, or by toll-free fax.

Mailing address:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903

Toll-Free Fax: (800) 455-7143

Military Funeral Honors

The Department of Defense is responsible for providing military funeral honors for eligible veterans. These honors may include:

• Folding and presenting the United States flag to the next-of-kin

• A rifle salute by a firing squad

• A bugler playing Taps

Military honors can be requested on behalf of the veteran’s family through the funeral home or by the next of kin. At least one member of the honor detail will be from the veteran’s branch of service.

Pre-Registration and Pre-Need Eligibility

Veterans are encouraged to apply for burial eligibility before the time of need. Pre-application allows veterans and their families to confirm eligibility in advance, reducing stress during an already difficult time.

How Pre-Registration Works

1. Complete the Application for Burial at any time

2. Submit with a copy of your DD214

3. The cemetery will review and confirm eligibility

4. Pre-application does not reserve a specific plot

5. At time of need, the family contacts the cemetery to arrange interment

VA Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility

The VA also offers a Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program for burial in a VA national cemetery. Through this program, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Apply using VA Form 40-10007.

Important: The VA Pre-Need program applies to VA national cemeteries. For Delaware’s state veterans cemeteries, use the Delaware Application for Burial.

Common Mistakes Veterans and Families Make

1. Waiting until the time of need to apply.
Pre-application confirms eligibility and simplifies arrangements. Families should apply before the need arises.

2. Submitting an incomplete application.
Missing DD214 or other documents delays processing. Verify all required fields are completed before mailing.

3. Assuming a dishonorable discharge automatically disqualifies.
A less-than-honorable discharge may be upgraded through a Character of Discharge review. Veterans should explore this option before assuming ineligibility.

4. Not checking residency requirements carefully.
The 3-year residency can be cumulative and does not have to be consecutive. Veterans who lived in Delaware at any point for a total of 3 years may qualify.

5. Forgetting about the 20-year National Guard/Reserve exemption.
Veterans who served 20+ years in the Delaware National Guard or a Delaware reserve unit are exempt from residency requirements.

6. Not requesting military funeral honors.
Military honors are available at no cost through the Department of Defense. Request them through the funeral home.

7. Missing the VA burial allowance deadline for non-service-connected deaths.
Claims must be filed within two years of burial for non-service-connected burial allowance.

8. Assuming Medicare or Medicaid covers burial costs.
Neither Medicare nor Medicaid pays for funeral or burial expenses. VA burial allowances and state cemetery benefits are the primary sources of assistance.

Appeals and Eligibility Determinations

If a burial application is denied, the veteran or family member may request a review of the determination. The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs will assist in establishing eligibility. However, it is the responsibility of the veteran, the veteran’s survivors, or legal representative to furnish documentary evidence before interment.

Documentary evidence must clearly establish:

• Honorable discharge status

• Minimum active service requirement (180 days)

• Delaware residency (or qualifying exemption)

• Relationship (for spouse/dependent applicants)

If new evidence becomes available, a denied application may be reconsidered. Veterans Service Officers in each county can assist with eligibility determinations and documentation at no cost.

Common Questions

What is the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery?

The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery is a state-operated cemetery system with two locations: Bear (New Castle County) and Millsboro (Sussex County). Both are under the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and provide burial space for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children. Veterans are buried at no cost.

Who is eligible for burial in a Delaware veterans cemetery?

Veterans with an honorable discharge and at least 180 days of active federal service who meet Delaware residency requirements. Spouses and dependent children are eligible with a $300 fee. Veterans who served 20+ years in the Delaware National Guard or a Delaware reserve unit are exempt from residency requirements.

How do I apply for burial in a Delaware veterans cemetery?

Download the Application for Burial from vets.delaware.gov, complete it, and mail it with a copy of your DD214 to the cemetery of your choice or to the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. No fee is required for veterans. Pre-application is encouraged.

What does burial in a Delaware veterans cemetery cost?

Veterans are buried at no cost. There is no charge for the plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, government headstone or marker, or burial flag. Spouses and dependents pay a $300 interment fee. Funeral expenses are the family’s responsibility.

Are casketed and cremated remains both accepted?

Yes. Both Delaware veterans cemeteries offer full-casket burial in pre-placed crypts or standard plots, in-ground cremains burial, and columbarium niches for cremated remains.

What military honors are provided at burial?

Military funeral honors are provided by the Department of Defense and may include flag folding and presentation, a rifle salute, and Taps. Honors can be requested through the funeral home or by the next of kin.

Can my spouse be buried with me in a Delaware veterans cemetery?

Yes. The veteran’s spouse may be buried in the same cemetery upon pre-qualification of the eligible veteran. A $300 interment fee applies for the spouse. The spouse must be pre-qualified through the veteran.

What is the residency requirement for Delaware veterans cemeteries?

The veteran must have been a Delaware resident at time of death, a resident for 3+ cumulative years, or a resident when entering military service. Veterans with 20+ years in the Delaware National Guard or a Delaware reserve unit are exempt from residency requirements.

What documents are needed for burial application?

The Application for Burial and a copy of the veteran’s DD214 or Record of Service. Spouses must provide their Social Security number and date of birth. Residency documentation may be required in some cases.

Can I pre-apply for burial eligibility?

Yes. Veterans are encouraged to pre-apply to confirm eligibility before the time of need. Pre-application does not reserve a plot but confirms eligibility. Apply using the Application for Burial at any time.

What VA burial benefits are available to Delaware veterans?

VA burial benefits include burial allowance (up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths), a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors. These benefits apply at both state and private cemeteries.

Is there a VA national cemetery in Delaware?

No. Delaware does not have a VA national cemetery. The two veterans cemeteries in Bear and Millsboro are state-operated facilities funded through a combination of state funds and VA State Cemetery Grants. Veterans buried in these cemeteries receive the same benefits as those in VA national cemeteries.

How do I get a Presidential Memorial Certificate?

Complete VA Form 40-0247 and submit it with a copy of the veteran’s military discharge document and death certificate. Requests can be made at any VA Regional Office, by mail to Quantico, VA, or by toll-free fax at (800) 455-7143.

What is the VA burial allowance for service-connected deaths?

VA burial allowance for service-connected deaths is up to $2,000 for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, and up to $1,500 for deaths before that date. Eligible surviving spouses are paid automatically.

Can I get a headstone for a veteran buried in a private cemetery?

Yes. The VA provides a government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any eligible veteran in any cemetery worldwide. Use VA Form 40-1330 for private cemeteries. Setting fees are at private expense.

Key Takeaways

• Delaware operates two state veterans cemeteries: Bear (New Castle County) and Millsboro (Sussex County), both under the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.

• Veterans are buried at no cost, including the plot, opening and closing, perpetual care, bronze marker, and burial flag.

• Spouses and dependents pay a $300 interment fee and must be pre-qualified through the eligible veteran.

• Eligibility requires honorable discharge, 180+ days of active federal service, and Delaware residency (3+ cumulative years, at time of death, or when entering service).

• Veterans with 20+ years in the Delaware National Guard or a Delaware reserve unit are exempt from residency requirements.

• Apply using the Application for Burial with a copy of the DD214. Pre-application is encouraged.

• Delaware allocated $7 million in FY 2026 for cemetery expansion: 2,000 field vaults in Millsboro and columbarium expansion in Bear.

• VA burial benefits include up to $2,000 burial allowance for service-connected deaths, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

• Military funeral honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost and can be requested through the funeral home.

• Contact the Bear cemetery at (302) 834-8046 or Millsboro at (302) 934-5653 for burial arrangements.

Official Resources

• Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery: vets.delaware.gov/delaware-veterans-memorial-cemetery

• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: vets.delaware.gov

• Application for Burial (PDF): vets.delaware.gov

• VA Burial Benefits: va.gov/burials-memorials

• VA Headstones and Markers: cem.va.gov

• VA Burial Flag (VA Form 27-2008): va.gov

• Presidential Memorial Certificate (VA Form 40-0247): cem.va.gov

• VA Pre-Need Eligibility (VA Form 40-10007): va.gov

• VA Burial Allowance (VA Form 21P-530): va.gov

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: (302) 739-2792 or (800) 344-9900

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)

Related Posts

Exploring Market-Based Alternatives to VA Pension System Reform

Read more

Veterans Healthcare Savings Accounts: A New Era of Medical Freedom

Read more

Exploring Private Veteran Services: Effective Alternatives to VA Care

Read more

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Join Veterans Associations

Read more