NY State Veterans Cemetery
Free burial with honors at the New York State Veterans Cemetery at Finger Lakes for eligible veterans and their spouses.
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Apply directly through the official New York agency.
About this benefit
Eligibility
Veteran discharged under conditions OTHER than dishonorable. Post-September 7, 1980 enlisted personnel and post-October 16, 1981 officers must have completed 24 consecutive months of active service unless killed in action. Reservists eligible for retirement and National Guard/Reservists with 6 continuous years of honorable service (per the Burial Equity Act) also qualify.
Family eligibility
Spouses and dependent children. New York does NOT require state residency for burial eligibility.
Covers
Gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, a US flag, and military honors at no cost. The state-operated cemetery is the New York State Veterans Cemetery at Finger Lakes.
Federal vs. state cemeteries: The Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery and Long Island National Cemetery are FEDERAL (VA) national cemeteries, not state-operated facilities.
How to apply
For the NY State Veterans Cemetery at Finger Lakes, scheduling is via 1-888-838-7697 (NYS DVS). For federal national cemeteries, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. Pre-need eligibility determinations can be submitted using VA Form 40-10007.
Verified against official source
Last checked 2026-04-30 against veterans.ny.gov. Always confirm current rates and rules with the New York state agency before applying.
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