Burial Pre-Need Process

Riverside County Veterans Services is proud to collaborate with Riverside National Cemetery to enhance support for our veteran community by providing comprehensive information on VA burial benefits and military funeral honors. Together, we are committed to ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to navigate this important process with dignity and clarity.

To further this mission, we will soon launch quarterly Burial Benefit Forums, offering valuable guidance on understanding and arranging these honors. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to honoring veterans not only in life but also in death, ensuring they receive the respect and recognition they so deeply deserve.

Pre-Need for Burial in a VA Cemetery

Pre-Need Eligibility for Burial in a VA Cemetery

You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Follow the steps below to apply.

Note: “Pre-need” means before the time of need. This application is for planning for your own burial in advance. Please don’t complete this form if you’re requesting burial at the time of need.

Eligibility

How do I prepare before starting my application?

Find out if you’re eligible. One of these must describe you:

A Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military
The spouse or dependent child of a service member or Veteran, even if the service member or Veteran has already passed away
In some cases, the adult dependent child of a service member or Veteran (if you aren’t married)

The decision is based on whether or not you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery on your service history—or the service history of the Veteran or service member who’s sponsoring your application for burial as a spouse, surviving spouse, or unmarried adult child.

Get more details about eligibility

Choose your VA National Cemetery

Choose the VA national cemetery where you’d prefer to be buried.

Find a VA national cemetery

How to apply

How do I apply?

You can apply online right now here: Apply for pre-need eligibility

You can also apply by mail or fax:

By mail: Fill out the Application below for Pre-need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery (VA Form 40-10007) and then Mail to:
NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
By fax: Send the completed application to - 855-840-8299

VA40-10007 Form

VA40-10007.pdf

What happens after I apply?

After applying, the VA will let you know when they’ve received your application and how long they think it’ll take to make a decision.

For more information, you can call 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711).

VA Burial Pre-Need