Death Benefits for Veterans
Overview
When a veteran passes away, the VA provides several forms of assistance for burial and memorial expenses. These one-time benefits differ from ongoing survivor benefits, which support family members over time.
If you're in crisis: Call 988 (press 1) or text 838255 for support.
Financial Assistance for Burial
The VA offers burial allowances to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation expenses. Amounts and eligibility depend on the circumstances of death.
Service-Connected Deaths
When death results from a condition linked to military service: - Allowance up to $2,000 - Full burial costs may be covered for national cemetery interment
Non-Service-Connected Deaths
The veteran must have been receiving VA compensation or pension at the time of death: - Up to $1,002 burial allowance (effective October 2025) - Additional $1,002 plot allowance available
Death While in VA Care
For veterans who died at a VA facility, state veterans home, or VA-contracted nursing home: - Up to $1,002 burial allowance - Additional $1,002 plot allowance - Available even if veteran wasn't receiving other VA benefits
Submitting Your Application
File using VA Form 21P-530EZ either online or by mail to:
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Documentation Required: - Veteran's DD-214 discharge papers - Official death certificate - Funeral home itemized statement - Transportation expense receipts
Filing Deadlines: - Service-connected or VA-care deaths: No time limit - Other deaths: Within 2 years
Arlington National Cemetery
Full Burial Eligibility
Ground burial at Arlington requires meeting specific criteria: - Retirement from active duty service - Reserve/Guard retirement following active duty - Receipt of Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, or Purple Heart - Former Prisoner of War status - Service in qualifying senior federal positions
Shared Gravesite Option
Veterans with honorable discharges may be interred alongside primarily eligible family members under certain circumstances.
Columbarium Placement
Cremated remains may be placed in the columbarium for veterans with any active duty service who meet primary eligibility standards.
VA National Cemeteries
Who Qualifies
Any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable.
How to Arrange
- Schedule through the VA website
- No charge for burial at national cemeteries
Services Included at No Cost
- Gravesite and perpetual maintenance
- Grave opening and closing
- Government headstone or marker
- U.S. burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Additional Memorial Options
Naval Burial at Sea
Call Navy HR at 1-833-330-6622
U.S. Burial Flag
Available to next of kin for veterans with qualifying discharge
Grave Markers and Medallions
- Government markers provided for private cemetery burials at no cost
- Medallions available to attach to existing private headstones
Presidential Memorial Certificates
- Provided automatically for national cemetery burials
- Family members may request for other burials
Disqualifying Factors
Memorial benefits are denied to veterans: - Convicted of federal or state capital offenses - Convicted of sex crimes resulting in life imprisonment - These disqualifications apply even if death occurred before sentencing
Checklist After a Veteran Dies
- Get death certificates - Order several copies; many organizations require originals
- Find the DD-214 - Essential for accessing most benefits
- Notify the VA - Stop benefit payments to avoid overpayment issues
- File for burial benefits - Observe applicable deadlines
- Explore survivor benefits - DIC, CHAMPVA, education benefits may be available
- Address pending claims - Survivors may continue claims for accrued benefits
Forms and Resources
Required Forms
VA Websites
- Burial Benefits Overview
- Find a National Cemetery
- Schedule a Burial
- Memorial Items Information
- Arlington National Cemetery