Veterans Death and Survivor Benefits Guide
Part 1: Death Benefits
Burial Allowance
Purpose
Helps cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs for deceased veterans.
Three Types of Burial Allowances
Non-Service Connected (NSC) Death - Veteran must have been receiving VA benefits (Compensation or Pension) at time of death - Maximum allowance: $1,002 - Maximum plot benefit: $1,002
Service-Connected (SC) Death - Death linked to military service - Determined by combination of veteran's rated conditions and death certificate cause - Maximum allowance: $2,000 - Alternative: Full costs may be covered if buried in VA national cemetery
Death Under Care - For veterans not receiving benefits at death - Applies when death occurs at VA Medical Center, State Veterans Home, or contracted nursing home - Maximum allowance: $1,002 - Maximum plot benefit: $1,002
Application Process
Online: VA Form 21P-530EZ application portal
Mail: Complete VA Form 21P-530EZ and send to: - Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center - PO Box 5365 - Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Required Documentation: - Military discharge papers (DD214) - Death certificate - Transportation receipts with itemized costs - Funeral/cemetery statement showing: veteran's name, services/items purchased, credits, and amounts paid
Filing Deadlines: - NSC deaths: Within 2 years of burial/cremation - SC deaths or VA care deaths: No time limit
Cemetery Options
Arlington National Cemetery
Eligibility Requirements - Last Character of Discharge: Must be Honorable - Criminal Ineligibility: Federal/State capital crimes convictions, Title III sex offender status with life sentence minimum
Primary Eligibility (One criterion required): - Retired from Active Duty - Retired from Reserve with Active Duty service (excluding training) - Medical separation pre-1949 with Active Duty service - Awarded: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross/Air Force Cross/Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, or Purple Heart - Former Prisoner of War (POW) - Held: U.S. President/Vice President, Congressional office, Supreme Court position, Executive Schedule Level I-II, or Chief of Mission at Category 4-5+ diplomatic post
National Cemeteries (VA/NCA-Run)
Eligibility - Character of discharge was NOT dishonorable - Same criminal ineligibility provisions as Arlington
Memorial Items
Burial Flag
- American flag accompanying casket or urn
- Eligibility: Character of discharge was NOT dishonorable
- Available to next of kin, family members, or close friends
Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
- Available through VA burials and memorials section
- Provided at no cost for eligible veterans
Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMC)
- Formal certificate signed by current president
- Eligibility: Character of discharge was NOT dishonorable
- Available to next of kin, family members, or close friends
- Automatically presented at national cemetery burials
Part 2: Survivor Benefits (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Eligibility Overview
You may qualify for DIC if you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died on active duty or a veteran whose death resulted from service-connected causes.
Qualifying Death Circumstances
DIC is available when the veteran's death resulted from: - Died from a service-connected illness or injury including unclaimed complications - Service-related conditions never formally recognized during the veteran's lifetime - VA medical care or treatment complications - Participation in VA work programs like Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) - Service-connected disability rated at 100% for required time periods (10 years prior, 5 years after discharge, or 1 year for former POWs)
Spouse Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a surviving spouse, ONE of these conditions must apply: - Married before January 1, 1957 - Married within 15 years of the veteran's discharge from service - Married for at least one year before the veteran's death
Special Circumstances
Important notes on eligibility: - "Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU/IU) DOES count as being rated 100%" - Incarceration exceeding 60 days for felonies suspends payments - DIC cannot be paid simultaneously with Survivors Pension (higher amount applies) - DIC can combine with Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or Reserve Component SBP
Benefit Amounts (2026 Rates)
Base DIC Rate: $1,699.36/month
Enhanced payments available for: - Housebound or aid-and-attendance-eligible spouses - Parents requiring aid and attendance - Spouses with children under 18 - 8-year kicker if veteran was rated 100% for 8+ years before death
How to Apply
File using: - VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Death Pension, and Accrued Benefits - VA Form 21P-535 - Application for DIC by Parents
Recommendation: Use a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for assistance with the application process.
Resources
VA Forms
- VA Form 21P-530EZ - Burial Benefits
- VA Form 21P-534EZ - DIC/Death Pension/Accrued Benefits
- VA Form 21P-535 - DIC by Parents
Official VA Resources
- VA Burial Benefits
- DIC for Surviving Spouse
- National Cemetery Administration
- Current DIC Rate Tables