State Burial Benefits for Peacetime Veterans

Yes, peacetime-only veterans can qualify for state burial benefits but the rules vary a lot by state.

Many people assume that state veteran burial benefits are only available to those who served during a recognized wartime period. That is not always true. A number of states extend burial assistance, cemetery plots, headstones, and funeral honors to veterans who served exclusively during peacetime. The catch is that eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and application processes differ from one state to the next, and some states are more generous than others.

If your loved one served in the U.S. military outside of a designated wartime era and you are trying to figure out what burial benefits they may be entitled to, this article walks you through what is typically available, how to find out if your state covers peacetime veterans, and what you need to do next.

What counts as "peacetime only" military service?

The federal government and the Department of Veterans Affairs define specific wartime and peacetime periods. A peacetime-only veteran is someone whose active-duty service falls entirely outside of these designated wartime periods:

Wartime periods (as defined by federal law) include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.
Peacetime periods are the gaps between those conflicts for example, service between March 28, 1973, and August 1, 1990, or between May 8, 1975, and August 1, 1990.

This distinction matters because many state benefit programs were originally built around federal wartime service definitions. But over the years, several states have broadened their criteria to include peacetime veterans.

Which states offer burial benefits to peacetime veterans?

There is no single national list that applies uniformly. Each state runs its own veteran burial benefit program with its own eligibility rules. Here is how it generally breaks down:

States that cover all veterans regardless of service period These states provide burial benefits to any honorably discharged veteran, whether they served during wartime or peacetime. Wisconsin's veteran burial benefit program, for instance, has eligibility provisions that can extend to peacetime veterans depending on service conditions.
States that restrict benefits to wartime service only Some states still limit their burial allowance or cemetery plot programs to veterans who served during a recognized wartime period.
States with mixed or conditional eligibility A few states offer some burial benefits to peacetime veterans but exclude them from others, such as a burial allowance versus a free headstone.

To find your specific state's rules, contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service officer. Eligibility can change as legislatures update their programs.

What types of burial benefits might peacetime veterans receive?

Even in states that include peacetime service, the benefits available vary. Common offerings include:

Burial allowance or reimbursement A flat payment toward funeral and burial costs, which can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the state.
State veterans cemetery plot A free grave site in a state-operated veterans cemetery, along with opening and closing of the grave.
Government-furnished headstone or marker The VA provides headstones and markers for eligible veterans at no cost, and this benefit generally applies regardless of peacetime or wartime service. The key requirement is an other-than-dishonorable discharge.
Burial flag A U.S. flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn, provided to nearly all veterans with qualifying service.
Military funeral honors A ceremony with the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps. You can learn about military honors ceremony requirements by state and submit a request for funeral honors through the appropriate channels.

Do peacetime veterans get the same federal VA burial benefits?

At the federal level, some VA burial benefits do require wartime service, while others do not. Here is a quick breakdown:

VA burial allowance (non-service-connected death) Currently available primarily to wartime veterans. Peacetime-only veterans generally do not qualify for this particular federal payment.
VA burial allowance (service-connected death) Available regardless of when the veteran served, as long as the death was related to a service-connected condition.
Government headstone or marker Available to any veteran with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, including peacetime veterans.
Burial flag Generally available to any veteran who served on active duty (not for training only) and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
VA national cemetery burial Most VA national cemeteries require wartime service for eligibility, but some state veterans cemeteries have different rules.

This is where state benefits can fill the gap. If a peacetime veteran does not qualify for the federal burial allowance, a state program may still provide financial help.

What documents do I need to apply for state burial benefits?

Gathering paperwork ahead of time speeds up the process. Most states will ask for some or all of the following:

DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) This is the most critical document. It proves the veteran's service dates, character of discharge, and whether they served on active duty.
Death certificate A certified copy.
Funeral and burial receipts Itemized bills from the funeral home, cemetery, or crematory.
Application form Specific to the state program. Some states require the funeral home to submit it; others allow the family to apply directly.

If you cannot locate the DD-214, the state veterans affairs office or a county veterans service officer can often help you request a replacement from the National Archives.

Common mistakes families make when applying for peacetime veteran burial benefits

Assuming peacetime service means no benefits

This is the most frequent error. Families often do not even apply because they believe their loved one's peacetime service disqualifies them. Always check with your state veterans affairs office before ruling anything out.

Missing the application deadline

Most states have a time limit for filing burial benefit claims often one to two years after the date of burial or cremation. Do not wait.

Confusing active duty with active duty for training

Service on active duty for training (ADT) or in the National Guard or Reserves without a federal activation period may not qualify for all benefits. The DD-214 is the key document that clarifies this. If the veteran served on full active duty orders (not just weekend drills or annual training), they may still qualify for burial benefits even during peacetime.

Not applying for the free VA headstone

Many families do not realize that the government-furnished headstone or marker is available even to peacetime veterans. This benefit has no income or wartime service requirement. If the veteran has an other-than-dishonorable discharge, they are likely eligible.

Overlooking state-specific programs for related groups

Some states have additional benefits for specific groups within the veteran community. For example, Indiana offers memorial benefits for spouses of veterans, and there are separate programs available for POW and MIA families. It is worth asking whether any related programs apply to your situation.

How do I find out what my state specifically covers?

Here is a practical approach:

Start with your state's Department of Veterans Affairs website. Search for "[your state] veteran burial benefits." Look for eligibility criteria and whether they mention wartime or peacetime service.
Call your county veterans service officer (CVSO). Every state has county-level offices that help veterans and families navigate benefits. They know the local rules and can tell you quickly whether a peacetime veteran qualifies.
Contact the funeral home. Experienced funeral directors in your area often know the state burial benefit process and may even handle part of the paperwork.

Can a peacetime veteran be buried in a state veterans cemetery?

Many state veterans cemeteries accept peacetime veterans, even when some federal VA national cemeteries do not. State veterans cemeteries set their own eligibility rules, and a growing number have expanded access to all honorably discharged veterans. This can include a free grave site, a headstone, a burial flag, and perpetual care of the grave.

Check directly with the state veterans cemetery you are considering. A list of state veterans cemeteries is available through the VA's National Cemetery Administration.

Practical checklist for families of peacetime veterans

Locate the veteran's DD-214 or discharge papers as soon as possible
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service officer to confirm eligibility
Ask about both burial allowances and cemetery plot availability
Request a government-furnished headstone or marker from the VA this benefit applies regardless of wartime status
Arrange military funeral honors through the appropriate channels by filing the honors request form for your state
Keep all funeral and burial receipts for reimbursement claims
Submit all applications within your state's filing deadline

Next step: If your veteran served during peacetime and you are unsure about eligibility, call your county veterans service officer this week. A 10-minute conversation can tell you exactly what benefits are available and what paperwork you need. Do not assume the answer is "no" before you ask.