How to apply for Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Madison)

Who it's for

The Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison is the state's resting place for veterans and their families. Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible, along with surviving spouses and dependent children under 21 (or permanently dependent). For the veteran there is no cost for opening and closing the burial plot, the outer burial container, the monument, or use of the chapel. Families can settle eligibility ahead of time through the VA's pre-need determination process, which removes one hard task from a difficult day. Contact the cemetery at 812-273-9220 or IVMC@dva.in.gov.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
• Marriage certificate (for a spouse's eligibility)
• VA pre-need determination of eligibility, if completed in advance

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Madison). 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, marriage certificate (for a spouse's eligibility), va pre-need determination of eligibility, if completed in advance — 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 making arrangements. The veteran must have a discharge other than dishonorable. Surviving spouses and dependent children under 21 (or permanently dependent) may also qualify. Call the cemetery at 812-273-9220 if you are unsure.
2. Gather the required documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork. If applying for a spouse, also have the marriage certificate ready. If a VA pre-need determination of eligibility was completed in advance, have that on hand as well.
3. Consider completing a VA pre-need determination if arrangements are not yet urgent. This step settles eligibility ahead of time and removes one difficult task from the day of need. Contact the cemetery at 812-273-9220 or email IVMC@dva.in.gov to learn how to start that process.
4. Ask about costs before applying. The veteran's core burial services — opening and closing of the plot, the outer burial container, the monument, and use of the chapel — are provided at no cost. Some services for family members may carry a fee. The cemetery office at 812-273-9220 can confirm what costs, if any, apply to your situation.
5. Apply online or by phone. Submit the application through Indiana's online application channel or call the cemetery directly at 812-273-9220 to apply and ask any remaining questions.

What to expect: After submitting, the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery staff will review the documents and confirm eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact the cemetery at 812-273-9220 or email IVMC@dva.in.gov for an estimate and to check the status of your request. If a VA pre-need determination was completed in advance, have that documentation ready to share, as it can simplify the review. There is no periodic renewal for burial eligibility, but it is a good idea to keep discharge paperwork and any pre-need determination documents in a place where family members can easily find them when needed.