How to apply for Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial in Milledgeville and Glennville)

Who it's for

Georgia operates two state veterans cemeteries: Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville and in Glennville. Burial plots, vaults, niches, and grave markers are provided at no charge, and the committal chapel for the service is also free. Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions qualify, along with spouses, unmarried dependents under 21, and eligible lifelong dependents. The family covers only outside costs like transportation and funeral-home arrangements. Contact either cemetery to confirm eligibility ahead of time — the paperwork includes the DD-214 and, for a spouse, the marriage certificate.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge under other than dishonorable conditions)
• Marriage certificate for spouse eligibility
• Birth dates and, when applicable, death dates for the eligibility paperwork

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial in Milledgeville and Glennville). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge under other than dishonorable conditions), marriage certificate for spouse eligibility, birth dates and, when applicable, death dates for the eligibility paperwork — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before starting the application. Call the Milledgeville cemetery at 478-445-3363 or the Glennville cemetery at 912-654-5398. Staff can verify whether the veteran, spouse, or dependent qualifies. Eligible individuals include veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, Reserve and National Guard members eligible for retirement pay at death, service members killed in the line of duty, spouses, unmarried dependents under 21, and eligible lifelong dependents.
2. Gather the required documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing a discharge other than dishonorable. If applying for a spouse, include the marriage certificate. Have birth dates ready, and death dates when applicable, for the eligibility paperwork.
3. Apply online or by phone. Submit the application through the online portal or call 478-445-3363 to apply by phone with a GDVS representative.
4. Plan for costs the cemetery does not cover. Burial plots, vaults, niches, grave markers, and use of the committal chapel are provided at no charge. The family is responsible only for outside costs such as transportation and funeral-home arrangements.

What to expect: After submitting, cemetery staff will review the eligibility paperwork and confirm arrangements with the family. Processing times vary, so contact the cemetery directly for an estimate of next steps and timing. There is no periodic renewal required for cemetery eligibility, but it is a good idea to keep a copy of all submitted documents — especially the DD-214 and marriage certificate — in a place where family members or caregivers can easily find them when needed.