Burial Benefits

Veterans Burial Benefits

Eligible veterans (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable) may qualify for free burial in a VA national cemetery, including gravesite, opening/closing, perpetual care, government headstone/marker, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate. Eligible spouses/dependents may be buried alongside. Cash allowances may help with other funeral/plot/transportation costs. Applies to burial and cremation. Does NOT include a casket or urn.

Find Out If You're Eligible And How To Apply

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The burial allowance is a reimbursement

Whoever pays the funeral costs files the claim and receives the funds directly from the VA

HOW IT WORKS

#1.  CONFIRM ELIGIBILITY

The veteran must have discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The person filing must have paid the funeral costs and not been reimbursed by another organization.

#3.  FILE VA FORM 21P-530EZ

Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at your regional VA office. For non-service-connected deaths, the claim must be filed within 2 years of the date of death.

You will need the veteran's DD-214, an official death certificate, itemized funeral receipts, and a statement of account from the funeral home or cemetery.

#4.  RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT

The VA mails a decision after reviewing the claim. Processing time varies, plan for your family to cover costs upfront and be reimbursed afterward.

2026 ALLOWANCE AMOUNTS

What the VA will pay

Amounts are adjusted each October 1st based on the Consumer Price Index. The figures below apply to deaths on or after October 1, 2025.

SERVICE CONNECTED DEATH

Veteran died from a service connected condition

Burial & funeral allowance                               Up to $2000

Transportation to national cemetary                Partial or Full

Filing Deadline                                                No Time Limit

The casket is not covered. Veterans who died before September 11, 2001 have a $1,500 cap. Transportation reimbursement only applies if buried in a national cemetery.

NON SERVICE CONNECTED DEATH

Veteran died from a Non service connected death

Burial & funeral allowance                              Up to $1002

Plot allowance (private cemetary)                  Up to $1002

Headstone or marker allowance                    Up to $441

Filing deadline                                                Within 2 years

Veteran must have been receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death, or died while in VA care. Headstone allowance only applies if not using a national cemetery.

NATIONAL CEMETERY BURIAL

Covered Services & Family Responsibilities

Burial in a VA national cemetery is a separate benefit from the allowance above. The gravesite is at no cost, but your family still covers several expenses.

COVERED AT NO COST

  • Gravesite in a national cemetery
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • Government headstone or marker
  • Grave liner
  • Perpetual care of the gravesite

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY

  • Body preparation and embalming
  • Transportation of remains to the cemetery
  • Casket or cremation urn
  • Funeral service and ceremony
  • Death certificates and filings

Don't leave your family guessing

As a veteran-owned business, we cut through the confusion to help families fully understand their burial benefits

and take the necessary steps to receive them.