The VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of burial and funeral costs. You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:
- You paid for a veteran’s burial or funeral; and
- You were not 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;
- The veteran was either receiving or entitled to receive a VA pension or compensation at the time of death;
- The veteran died in a VA hospital or in a nursing home under VA contract.
The VA pays up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for service-related deaths. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
For non service-related deaths, the VA pays up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $700 plot/interment allowance. If the death happened while the veteran was hospitalized by the VA, they will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $700 plot/interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
To apply complete VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Allowance. You must apply within two years of death and will need a copy of the deceased’s military discharge (DD 214 or similar), death certificate and paid in full funeral and burial bills.
