Life insurance and burial benefits for Maryland veterans

Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.

VA national cemeteries

• Baltimore National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — Baltimore
• Annapolis National Cemetery (closed to new burials) — Annapolis
• Loudon Park National Cemetery (closed to new burials) — Baltimore

State veterans cemeteries

• Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery — Cheltenham
• Crownsville Veterans Cemetery — Crownsville
• Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery — Hurlock
• Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery — Owings Mills
• Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery — Flintstone

Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration: Find a Cemetery

At Maryland's state veterans cemeteries, eligible veterans and their eligible dependents receive a burial plot, grave liner, headstone, and interment services at no expense; funeral, preparation, and transportation costs are paid by the family or estate. National Guard and reserve members and their eligible dependents pay a $1,002 fee. Source: Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: Burial Costs and Arrangements

Veterans whose disability the VA has determined is 100% service connected, permanent, and total may be exempt from real property taxes on their dwelling house and surrounding yard; certain un-remarried surviving spouses may also qualify. Source: Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: State Property Tax Exemptions

For help applying, contact the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families.