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Veterans · VT

Life insurance and burial benefits for Vermont veterans

Vermont's state-run Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center gives veterans a lot with perpetual care, a marker, and funeral honors at no charge, and spouses and some dependents may be buried there too. The VA also maintains two historic soldiers' lots in Montpelier and Brattleboro, both closed to new burials. The state guarantees an appropriate burial for veterans who die destitute, and veterans rated 50 percent or more disabled may lower their home's taxable value through the Office of Veterans Affairs. Funeral home and service costs can still add up, which is why some veterans pair these benefits with a modest life insurance policy.

Facts checked against the sources listed below.

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Veterans in the state

35,000

Estimate, 2026

VA national cemeteries

2

Located in Vermont

State veterans cemeteries

1

Built with VA grants

State agency

VT

Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

Life insurance options for Vermont 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.

Veterans cemeteries in Vermont

VA national cemeteries

State veterans cemeteries

  • Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery — Randolph Center

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: Cemeteries in Vermont

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A licensed agent can check private options side by side with VGLI and VALife. Free, with no obligation.

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Vermont state benefits for veterans

Veterans who die destitute are guaranteed an appropriate burial by the State of Vermont; families should contact their local Economic Services Division office. Source: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Mortuary and Burial Benefits

Veterans rated 50 percent or more disabled, those receiving VA Improved Pension or a permanent medical military retirement, and qualifying surviving spouses may take at least $10,000 (up to $40,000 where the town votes it) off their home's appraised value; proof of eligibility goes to the Office of Veterans Affairs by May 1. Source: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Tax Exemptions for Veterans

Veterans interred at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery receive perpetual care of their lot, a marker, and funeral honors free of charge; spouses receive lot care and a marker for a nominal charge. Source: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Mortuary and Burial Benefits

Low-income veterans facing economic hardship may qualify for a one-time Veteran Assistance Fund payment toward critical needs such as housing and utilities. Source: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Programs Administered by the Office

For help applying, contact the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs.

Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Vermont.

Frequently asked questions

Where can veterans be buried in Vermont?

Vermont has 2 VA national cemeteries and 1 state veterans cemetery, including Green Mount Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (closed to new casket burials) in Montpelier. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs can confirm.

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Can Vermont veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?

SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.

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Do disabled veterans get a property tax break in Vermont?

Veterans rated 50 percent or more disabled, those receiving VA Improved Pension or a permanent medical military retirement, and qualifying surviving spouses may take at least $10,000 (up to $40,000 where the town votes it) off their home's appraised value; proof of eligibility goes to the Office of Veterans Affairs by May 1.

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Does Vermont pay a burial benefit for veterans?

Veterans who die destitute are guaranteed an appropriate burial by the State of Vermont; families should contact their local Economic Services Division office.

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Sources

  1. VA National Cemetery Administration: Cemeteries in Vermont
  2. VA VetPop2023 state estimates
  3. Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Mortuary and Burial Benefits
  4. Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Tax Exemptions for Veterans
  5. Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Programs Administered by the Office
  6. Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

Veterans guides for other states