What is a VA Burial Allowance?

A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot 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 reimbursed 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 in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home.

How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-Related Death. The VA will pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. For deaths on or after September 11, 2001, the VA will pay $2,000. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-Related Death. The VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $300 for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, some of all of the costs for transporting the deceased’s remains may be reimbursed.

How Can You Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Allowance. You should attach proof of the veteran's military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid.

Related Benefits

Burial in VA National Cemeteries Headstones and Markers
Presidential Memorial Certificates Burial Flags

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING VETERANS BENEFITS

If you are a family we are serving, know that we will work with your family and the local veteran service officer to take care of all of the benefits your loved one may be entitled to receive. If you are a family that was not served through our funeral home, please call us at Hartquist Funeral Home so that we may try to assist you. Below is the information necessary to begin the processing of the forms for possible benefits pertaining to deceased veterans.

POSSIBLE ENTITLEMENTS

 
  1. Flag
  2. Marker for Cemetery
  3. Widow’s Benefits
  4. Tax Exemption
  5. Flag post for cemetery
  6. Additional monetary benefits may be available if death occurs in a Veteran’s hospital. If deceased was receiving a monthly check from the Veterans, possible additional monetary benefits should be discussed.

YOU MUST HAVE:

 
  1. Paid in full funeral bill receipt.
  2. Discharge papers
  3. Copy of the Death Certificate

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
Or Visit The Veterans Administration Web Site At http://www.cem.va.gov

 

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