Burial Benefits

Veteran Services > VA Benefit Programs > Burial Benefits
VA Burial Benefits
 
Monetary reimbursement of burial expenses may be paid by the VA in the form of VA burial allowances, which are PARTIAL reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs.
 
a. Who Is Eligible?
 
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 Honorable Conditions or, General Under Honorable Conditions.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
  • The veteran died because of a service-related disability,
  • the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death,
  • the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay,
  • the veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility,
  • the veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment or care,
  • the veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, OR
  • the veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.
b. How Much Does VA Pay?
  • 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.
  • Non-Service-Related Death. For deaths on or after October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses if hospitalized by VA at time of death, or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses if not hospitalized by VA at time of death, and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran's remains may be reimbursed. An annual increase in burial and plot allowances, for deaths occurring after October 1, 2011, begins in fiscal year 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period.
NOTE: The above pay information is current as of December 26, 2013.  Contact the VA at 800-827-1000 for current burial expense pay information.
 
c. How Can You Apply?
 
Contact Tarrant County Veteran Services for assistance in applying for VA burial reimbursement by calling 817-531-5645. 
 
d. Burial in a VA National Cemetery
 
The VA will provide burial in a National Cemetery to an honorably discharged veteran and their spouse.  There is no charge for the plot, opening or closing of the grave, or the marker.  Arrangements CAN NOT be made in advance for burial in a National Cemetery.  At the time of need, the funeral director or the family should contact the National Cemetery to arrange for services.  An honor guard for the veteran can be requested.  Contact the Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery at 214-467-3374 for more information.  Their website is www.cem.va.gov/CEM/Cems/nchp/dallasftworth.asp. You will need the veteran's military discharge document/DD Form 214 in order to make burial arrangements. 
 
e. Other VA Burial Benefits
 
Go to the following websites for information on other burial benefits:
Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for more information.