VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial (including cremation) and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.
Service-Related Death – VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
Nonservice-Related Death – VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot-interment allowance.
Veterans’ Benefit Act of 2010 Update: For deaths which occur after Oct. 1, 2011 the VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $700 plot-interment allowance.
Eligibility
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 receiving 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, in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home.
