Veterans Funeral Benefits & Burial at Calverton National Cemetery
Quick Answer. Eligible veterans can be buried at Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island with the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag and perpetual care provided by the VA at no cost. Families may also qualify for a VA burial allowance and military funeral honors. To get started, locate the veteran's DD-214 discharge papers and call your funeral home — the funeral director can schedule the burial and request benefits on your behalf.
For many Long Island families, honoring a loved one's military service is an important part of saying goodbye. Veterans have earned meaningful burial and memorial benefits, but the details — who qualifies, what's covered, and how to schedule a burial — can feel overwhelming at an already difficult time.
This guide explains the veterans funeral benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, what to expect at Calverton National Cemetery, and how to plan ahead so your family has one less thing to worry about.
You do not need to handle any of this alone. A funeral director experienced with veterans services can walk your family through every step.
About Calverton National Cemetery
Calverton National Cemetery opened in 1978 on a 1,045-acre former naval installation in Suffolk County. It serves veterans and families across the greater New York area and is one of the largest and most active cemeteries in the VA's National Cemetery Administration. Two Medal of Honor recipients rest there, including Lt. Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue.
| Calverton National Cemetery | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11933 |
| Cemetery phone | (631) 727-5410 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Visitation hours | Daily, sunrise to sunset |
| Burial options | Casketed burial, in-ground cremation, columbarium niches, scatter garden and ossuary |
Who Is Eligible for Burial in a National Cemetery
According to the VA, the following may be eligible for burial at Calverton or another VA national cemetery.
- ✓ Veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- ✓ Service members who died while on active duty
- ✓ Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans
- ✓ Minor children of eligible veterans, and in some cases unmarried adult dependent children
A spouse can be buried at Calverton even if they pass away before the veteran. The veteran is later laid to rest in the same gravesite.
What Burial in a National Cemetery Includes
Burial in a VA national cemetery covers many of the costs families would otherwise pay at a private cemetery. Funeral home services are still arranged and paid for by the family.
| Provided by the VA at No Cost | Arranged by the Family and Funeral Home |
|---|---|
| Gravesite, columbarium niche or scatter garden placement | Transportation of the veteran into the funeral home's care |
| Opening and closing of the grave | Casket or urn |
| Grave liner for casketed burial | Viewing, wake or funeral service |
| Government headstone or marker | Procession to Calverton on the day of burial |
| Burial flag and perpetual care of the gravesite | Death certificates, obituary and reception |
VA Burial and Plot Allowances
In some cases, the VA also helps pay for burial and funeral costs through a burial allowance. The amounts below are for deaths on or after October 1, 2025.
| Type of Allowance | Up To | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death | $2,000 toward burial expenses | No time limit |
| Non-service-connected burial allowance | $1,002 | Generally within 2 years of burial or cremation |
| Plot or interment allowance | $1,002 | No time limit |
For a non-service-connected death, the veteran must meet at least one qualifying condition — for example, receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, or passing away while receiving VA care. Families apply online at VA.gov or with VA Form 21P-530EZ.
VA allowance amounts are adjusted every year on October 1. Check the VA burial allowance page for the rate that applies to your loved one's date of death, or ask your funeral director.
Military Funeral Honors
Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors. At a minimum, two uniformed service members fold and present the American flag to the next of kin, and Taps is played. Depending on availability and the veteran's service, honors may also include a rifle detail and color guard.
Families do not need to arrange honors themselves. The funeral director requests them from the appropriate branch of service when the burial is scheduled.
Headstones, Markers and Memorial Items
In addition to burial, eligible veterans may receive the following memorial benefits from the VA.
- ✓ A government headstone or marker at no cost, in any cemetery
- ✓ A bronze medallion to attach to a privately purchased headstone
- ✓ An American burial flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn
- ✓ A Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring the veteran's service
How to Schedule a Burial at Calverton
Burials at VA national cemeteries are scheduled through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, not the cemetery itself. In most cases, your funeral director handles this for you.
At Calverton, the committal service takes place at a committal shelter rather than at the graveside. Cemetery staff complete the interment afterward. Families may visit the gravesite once the burial is complete.
Documents to Gather
Having these documents ready helps your funeral director confirm eligibility and apply for benefits quickly.
- ✓ DD-214 or other military discharge papers
- ✓ VA pre-need eligibility letter, if one was issued
- ✓ Veteran's VA claim number, if they received VA benefits
- ✓ Marriage certificate, for spouse burial or benefits
- ✓ Certified death certificate
- ✓ Receipts for funeral and burial expenses, for allowance claims
If you can't find the DD-214, don't panic. Discharge records can be requested from the National Archives, and your funeral director can help with the request.
Planning Ahead With Pre-Need Eligibility
Veterans and their spouses don't have to wait until the time of need to confirm burial eligibility. The VA offers a pre-need eligibility determination using VA Form 40-10007. Once approved, the VA keeps the decision on file, which makes scheduling faster and easier for the family later.
Pairing a pre-need determination with funeral pre-planning lets a veteran document their wishes — casket or cremation, military honors, service details — so their family can focus on honoring them.
Honoring Those Who Served
Moloney Family Funeral Homes helps Long Island families obtain VA benefits, coordinate military funeral honors, and arrange burial at Calverton National Cemetery — handling the paperwork so your family doesn't have to.
Explore Our Veteran ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for burial at Calverton National Cemetery?
Veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge, service members who died on active duty, spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans, and minor children (and in some cases unmarried adult dependent children) of eligible veterans may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery such as Calverton.
Is burial at Calverton National Cemetery free?
For eligible veterans, the VA provides the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a grave liner for casketed burials, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual care at no cost. Families are responsible for funeral home services such as transportation, a casket or urn, and any viewing or funeral service.
How much is the VA burial allowance?
For deaths on or after October 1, 2025, the VA non-service-connected burial allowance and the plot or interment allowance are each up to $1,002. For a service-connected death, the VA pays up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. Amounts are adjusted each year, so check VA.gov for the current rates.
Is there a deadline to apply for VA burial benefits?
For service-connected deaths there is no time limit. For non-service-connected deaths, the burial allowance claim generally must be filed within two years of the burial or cremation.
What are military funeral honors?
Military funeral honors include uniformed service members who fold and present the burial flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Honors may also include a rifle detail and color guard. The funeral director can request honors on the family's behalf.
Can a veteran pre-plan burial at Calverton?
Yes. Veterans and their spouses can apply for a pre-need eligibility determination from the VA using VA Form 40-10007. It confirms eligibility in advance, which makes scheduling easier for the family at the time of need.
Can a spouse be buried at Calverton National Cemetery?
Yes. Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery, even if they pass away before the veteran.
Related Resources
Veteran Services
How Moloney helps families obtain VA benefits and coordinate military honors.
Learn more →First Responders Services
Honoring the police officers, firefighters and EMTs who served our community.
Learn more →Funeral Pre-Planning
Document your wishes in advance and give your family peace of mind.
Read the guide →What to Do When Someone Dies on Long Island
A step-by-step guide to the first 24 hours after a death.
Read the guide →Additional Resources
- Calverton National Cemetery — location, hours and burial options
- VA Burial Eligibility — who can be buried in a VA national cemetery
- VA Burial Allowance — current allowance amounts and how to apply
- VA Pre-Need Eligibility — apply for burial eligibility in advance
- National Archives — request a copy of military discharge records
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Whether you're planning ahead or a loved one has just passed, Moloney Family Funeral Homes is available to help your family honor their service.
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