What Are VA Burial Allowances?

VA Burial Allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs.  When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot or interment allowance.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:

You paid for a veteran's burial or funeral, AND you have not been reimbused by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer, AND the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

In addition, at least ONE of the following conditions must be met:

The veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay,  OR the veteran died while hospitalized by the VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility,  OR  the veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, OR the veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, OR the veteran died after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.

How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-Related Death  VA will pay up to $2000 toward burial expensed for deaths after September 11, 2001.  If the veteran is buried in a VA National cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed. 

Nonservice-Related Death  VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 Plot interment allowance for deaths after December 1, 2001.  If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran's remains may be reimbursed.

How Can I Apply?

You can apply by filling our VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Benefits.  You should attach a copy of the veteran's military discharge document (DD214 or equivalent), death certificate, funeral and burial bills.  You may download this form at Http://www.va.gov/vaforms/