After you apply for an eligibility determination 
Find out what happens after you apply for a pre - need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery. 

How long does it take VA to make a decision? 
The amount of time it takes to review your application depends on : The number of applications we re reviewing , and How much information you provided in your application , and Whether you provided your or your sponsor s DD214 or other separation documents along with your application Note: We ve received a large number of pre - need eligibility applications , and it s slowing down our approval process. We ll let you know when we ve received your application and how long we think it ll take to make a decision. We re sorry for the delay. For more information , you can call 877 - 222 - 8387, Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Please wait to hear back about your application rather than applying again. You don t need to do anything while you wait. We ll contact you if we need more information to make a decision. 

If you qualify for burial benefits 
You ll receive a VA burial and memorial benefits folder from us in the mail. Your folder will include : A letter telling you if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called your pre - need decision letter. A National Cemetery Administration brochure and a burial benefits information sheet. These will tell you more about the benefits you ll receive. A copy of the supporting documents you submitted with your application 

What should I do after I receive my pre-need decision letter and folder? 
Keep your pre - need decision letter and folder in a safe place. Talk to your family members or authorized representative about your burial wishes including any memorialization requests and inscriptions and make sure they know where your benefits folder is located. They ll need this information to request your burial at the time of need. 

What do my family members need to do to request my bu

user: What do I need to know After requesting an eligibility determination?

assistant: it is important that you find out what happens after requesting a pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery.

user: Where do I get more information about appeals?

assistant: Learn more about VA claims appeals and reviews See more information about claims and review processes

user: if I happen to die, will my family have to pay for my funeral?

assistant: do not

assistant: do you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery?

user: Yes

assistant: ] If you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery, you will receive burial benefits at no cost to your family.

user: Can my relative or authorized representative still request my burial in a VA national cemetery at the time of need?

assistant: Yes Laws and personal circumstances may change previous eligibility decisions. We will make the final decision as to whether you qualify for burial at the time of need.

user: What if I change my mind and don't want to be buried in a VA National Cemetery?

assistant: Your family members can make arrangements for your burial in a private cemetery, even if we have already sent you a decision letter prior to need. There is no need to contact VA about this change of plans.