A veteran’s service to our country is a profound sacrifice, and it’s right that they be honored in a dignified way. The United States provides a range of veterans funeral benefits to help with this, and they can offer significant financial relief to families during a difficult time. Navigating government paperwork and figuring out what’s available can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. This guide is here to walk you through it, so you can ensure your loved one receives the final farewell they truly deserve.
Understanding these benefits is an important part of managing your funeral costs & financing: navigating expenses and payment options without added stress.
What Are the VA Burial Benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several benefits, but the most direct are the monetary burial allowances. These are paid as a reimbursement to help cover funeral expenses. The amount depends on whether the veteran’s death was connected to their service.
A Summary of the Allowances
- For a Service-Connected Death: If the veteran’s death was a result of a service-related injury or illness, the VA may pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000.
- For a Non-Service-Connected Death: If the death wasn’t related to their service, the VA may pay a combined burial and plot allowance of up to $978 for a burial and $978 for a plot for deaths on or after October 1, 2024.
In addition to the financial help, the VA offers other beautiful memorial benefits at no cost to the family:
- A U.S. Burial Flag: An American flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn, and is then given to the next of kin after the service.
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate: This is a special paper certificate signed by the U.S. President to honor the veteran’s service.
How Do You Apply for These Benefits?
I know, paperwork is the last thing you want to deal with. The good news is that the application process can be handled by your funeral director. If you’re doing it yourself, here’s what you’ll need to do:
A Simple Application Guide
- Gather the Documents: You’ll need the veteran’s discharge papers (the DD-214 form or equivalent), a certified copy of the death certificate, and itemized receipts from the funeral home showing the expenses you paid.
- Complete the Application: The application for burial benefits is VA Form 21P-530EZ. You can find and download it from the VA website.
- Submit the Application: You can apply online through the VA’s website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Many families choose to work with a veterans service organization (VSO), who will help with the application for free. It can take some of the pressure off you.
There is a time limit for filing a claim, which is generally two years from the date of the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit for a service-connected death.
Burial in a National Cemetery
One of the highest honors for a veteran is burial in a national cemetery. This benefit is available to eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children at no cost. It’s a significant benefit when you consider that the average funeral costs by type for cemetery services can be thousands of dollars.
The VA funeral benefits for a spouse are also significant. They are eligible for burial in a national cemetery alongside the veteran, even if they pass away first. The benefits provided at no cost include:
- The burial plot or columbarium niche.
- The opening and closing of the grave.
- The government-provided headstone or marker.
- Perpetual care and maintenance of the gravesite for life.
Free Headstone for a Veteran
The VA provides a headstone, marker, or medallion to every eligible veteran, regardless of their date of death. This is a beautiful and permanent memorial that honors their service.
When a veteran is buried in a national cemetery, the headstone is ordered and installed automatically as part of the benefit. If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA will still provide a free headstone for a veteran and ship it anywhere. However, you will be responsible for any fees the private cemetery charges to set the stone in place.
Military Funeral Honors
A final, solemn tribute available to veterans is the rendering of military funeral honors. By law, every eligible veteran is entitled to this ceremony upon request. Your funeral director can help you request the honor guard detail, which consists of at least two uniformed members of the armed forces.
The ceremony is a deeply moving experience that includes:
- The folding and presentation of the U.S. burial flag to the next of kin.
- The playing of “Taps,” either by a live bugler or a high-quality recording.
This is a powerful and emotional way to say a final thank you for their service.
The VA death benefits available to veterans are a significant honor and can provide substantial financial relief. By understanding what’s available, you can ensure your loved one receives a dignified final tribute that fully acknowledges their service. These VA benefits can also be combined with other programs, such as the social security death benefits & other government assistance programs. If you are struggling with the emotional aspect of a loss, please know that grief support & resources: coping with loss and finding healing are available.
Claire brings over 15 years of experience in end-of-life planning and funeral coordination. Before joining FuneralHomesListings.com, she worked directly with hundreds of families across the Midwest, helping them navigate difficult decisions with clarity and care. Her mission is to simplify the funeral planning process so families can focus on what matters most—honoring their loved ones.
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