Burial Benefits
Often survivors are disppointed when they seek reimbursement of burial expenses for departed veterans. This is becausew retirees didn't tell their loved ones what to do and how much to expect when they pass away. You may be eligible for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial allance 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.
For Burial Allowance Service Connected, the VA will pay a burial allowance up to $2,000 if the veteran's death is service-connected. In such cases, the person who bore the veteran's burial expenses may claim reimbursement from the VA. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected death cases.
For a Burial Allowance Non-Service Connected, the VA will pay a $300 burial and funeral allowances for veterans who, at time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they weren't receiving military retirement pay. In non-service connected death cases, claims must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.
The VA will pay a $300 plot allowance when a veteran is buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if the veteran was discharged from active duty because of disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, the veteran was receiving compensation or pension or would have been if the veteran was not receiving military retired pay, or the veteran died in a VA facility.
The VA will provide headstones or markers to memorialize veterans or mark the graves of veterans buried in national, state or private cemetaries as well as those whose remains have not been recovered or identified.
The VA will provide an American flag, upon request, for covering the casket; and a memorial certificate, bearing the President's signature, expressing our Nation's grateful recognition of the deceased veteran's service.
For more information, call (800) 827-1000 or visit the VA Burial and Memorial Website at www.cem.va.gov
