What are the veterans burial benefits?

If a veteran was honorably discharged, he or she is qualified for the following benefits:

Burial Allowance

Covers burial and funeral costs.

Service-Connected Allowance

The VA can cover up to $2,000*

Non-Service-Connected Allowance

The VA can cover up to $948**

*If the veteran died on or after September 11, 2001, the VA can cover up to $2,000. Otherwise, it can cover up to $1,500.

**See below for the accurate breakdown of the benefit costs.

Plot / Interment Allowance

Covers the cost of a plot or interment.

Non-Service-Connected Allowance

The VA can cover up to $948**

**See the chart for the accurate breakdown:

Transportation Allowance

Covers the cost of transportation to a final resting place.

The VA covers for transportation benefits when a veteran meets ONE of the following requirements:

  • Deceased in a VA hospital
  • Was receiving disability compensation
  • Was receiving military retirement in lieu of disability compensation
  • Was receiving a pension

NOTE: For non-service-connected death,you must file a claim within 2 years after the veteran’s burial.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can claim benefits?

  • Veteran’s surviving spouse
  • Veteran’s parents
  • Veteran’s legal children - regardless of age
  • Executor or administrator of the veteran’s estate
  • Person acting for the deceased veteran’s estate
  • Survivor in a legal union with a veteran

What are the requirements?

The veteran must have been honorably discharged and ONE of the following circumstances must apply:

  • Passed away due to a service-connected disability
  • Was hospitalized under VA care 
  • Was hospitalized under a care with a VA contract
  • Was entitled to receive VA disability compensation
  • Was entitled to receive a VA pension
  • Had a claim pending which would have resulted in entitlement to VA disability compensation

What do I need to submit?

You must submit all of the following documents:

  • Proof of death
  • Verification of the veteran’s military service
  • Any documents or receipts certifying the requested purchases
  • A statement of account
  • An itemized receipt for transportation costs

How do I apply?

Download the PDF file:

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