Burial Allowance Benefits
  

 

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 getting 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

   

How Much Does VA Pay ?

Service-related death  --  VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths prior to September 11, 2001.  VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001.  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  --  For deaths on or after October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized by VA at the time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at the time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).  For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward bural and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance.  The plot-internment alloance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001.  If the death happened while the Vetean was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing hom care, some or all of the costs for transporting the Veteran's remains may be reimbused.  An annual increase in burial and plot allowances, for deaths occurring after October 1, 2011, begins in fiscal year 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period.  

 

How Can I Apply ?

Contact your local County Veterans Service Office.

 

Related Benefits

Burial in VA National Cemeteries                             Headstones and Markers

Presidential Memorial Certificates                           Burial Flags

 

To apply for or obtain more information about benefits, contact your local CVSO.