Mississippi Veterans Burial Benefits: State Cemeteries and Federal VA Allowances

Mississippi provides exceptional burial benefits for veterans, combining federal VA allowances with state-operated cemetery facilities that are among the best-resourced in the South. For families navigating burial arrangements after the death of a veteran, understanding both layers of benefits — federal and state — is essential to avoiding costs that do not need to be paid.

Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

Mississippi operates two state veterans memorial cemeteries:

Newton, Mississippi — Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Newton Kilmichael, Mississippi — Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Kilmichael

Both cemeteries are administered by the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board (MSVA). They accept interments for eligible veterans, eligible spouses, and in some cases eligible dependent children.

Eligibility for state cemetery interment: Honorably discharged veterans, eligible National Guardsmen and Reservists who meet federal service requirements, and eligible surviving spouses and dependent children. Eligibility tracks closely with federal VA eligibility criteria.

What the State Cemetery Costs for Veterans

For the veteran, burial in a Mississippi state veterans cemetery is provided at no cost for the opening and closing of the grave, the gravesite itself, and perpetual care. The headstone or marker is provided by the federal VA at no charge.

However, there are specific charges families must pay directly to the cemetery before services are rendered, typically by cashier's check:

• In-ground burial: approximately $950
• Columbarium niche (for cremated remains): approximately $115 for the niche cover
• In-ground cremation plot: approximately $445

These figures are subject to annual adjustment based on operating costs. Verify the current rates directly with the MSVA or the specific cemetery before making arrangements.

Federal VA Burial Allowances

The federal VA provides burial allowances that can significantly offset or fully cover the state cemetery costs described above. The allowances are based on the cause of death and the type of burial.

Non-service-connected death (after October 1, 2024):

• Up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses
• An additional $978 plot-interment allowance if the veteran is not buried in a federal national cemetery

These amounts are adjusted periodically. Families should verify the current allowance with the VA at the time of death.

Service-connected death: The VA pays a higher burial allowance for deaths that were connected to a service-related disability or occurred in a VA facility.

Burial in a federal VA national cemetery: If a veteran is buried in a federal VA National Cemetery (not the state cemetery), there is no charge for the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, liner, perpetual care, or the government-furnished headstone. This is the most fully subsidized option, but availability depends on proximity to the family.

Free Benefits at Federal National Cemeteries

The federal VA national cemetery system provides, at no cost to the family:

• A gravesite with perpetual care
• Opening and closing of the grave
• An outer burial container (grave liner)
• A government headstone or marker
• The burial flag

This is distinct from the Mississippi state cemeteries, where there are still fees as described above. Families who are geographically positioned to use a federal national cemetery may find the out-of-pocket cost is lower, though these facilities may have longer scheduling timeframes.

How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits

Applying for VA burial allowances typically falls to the executor or next of kin and must be done within a specific timeframe (generally two years from the date of death for the basic burial allowance).

To apply:

1. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate — at least 8-10 copies
2. Gather the veteran's discharge documents (DD Form 214 or equivalent)
3. Complete VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits)
4. Submit to the VA regional office serving Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Veterans Affairs and recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the VFW, American Legion, and DAV can assist families in preparing and submitting VA benefit claims at no charge. These organizations have accredited claims agents who understand the paperwork and can significantly accelerate processing.

For death certificates and veterans benefits: The MSDH provides up to five certified copies of the death certificate free of charge for Mississippi veterans when requested by a recognized Veterans Service Officer to establish survivor or dependency benefit claims with the VA. This is a meaningful savings — standard copies cost $17 for the first and $6 each thereafter.

Burial Flag

Any veteran who served honorably is entitled to a U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn. The flag is provided free by the VA. Following the funeral service, the funeral director or military representative folds the flag and presents it to the next of kin.

The flag is typically requested through the funeral home, which obtains it from the VA or from a military installation. It can also be requested directly from a VA regional office.

Benefits for Eligible Spouses

Eligible surviving spouses and dependent children may be buried in the Mississippi state veterans cemetery alongside the veteran, but at additional cost. The spouse's burial incurs the same $950 charge as the veteran's in-ground burial, plus $115 for columbarium niche covers if applicable.

At federal VA national cemeteries, eligible spouses may also be buried without a per-interment fee — though the cemetery administration should be contacted for current policy on any associated costs.

Pension-Based Burial Assistance

Veterans who were receiving VA pension benefits at the time of death may have an additional burial benefit that their estate is entitled to. This is separate from the standard burial allowance and is based on their pension status. The MSVA or a VSO can help determine whether this applies.

The Mississippi Funeral Laws & Consumer Rights Guide covers the full timeline for claiming veterans benefits after a death, including the forms, deadlines, and documentation checklist to ensure no benefit goes unclaimed.

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