Veterans Burial Benefits: What the VA Provides and What You Pay

The VA gives veterans two kinds of burial help. The first is burial in a national cemetery, where the gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care and a government headstone or marker cost nothing. The second is a burial allowance that reimburses part of what you paid for the funeral or plot: up to $2,000 for a service-connected death, or, for other eligible deaths, $1,002 plus a $1,002 plot allowance (deaths from October 1, 2025), rising to $1,032 each for deaths on or after October 1, 2026. Neither one covers a whole funeral.

What burial benefits does the VA offer?

The family still pays the funeral home or cremation provider. See burial costs in the US for what that bill usually includes.

Who qualifies for VA burial benefits?

In general, a veteran who was not discharged dishonorably qualifies for burial in a national cemetery. Spouses, surviving spouses and eligible children usually qualify too. Enlisted people who joined after September 7, 1980 and officers who began active duty after October 16, 1981 also need the minimum service period, generally 24 months. Our national cemetery eligibility guide covers the details and exclusions, including reservists, discharge types and family members.

The burial allowance has its own conditions. See below.

How much is the VA burial allowance?

The plot or interment allowance applies when the veteran is not buried in a VA national cemetery. The VA publishes these rates on its website and adjusts them each year on October 1, so check the VA burial allowance page for the current figure. For a full walk-through, see our VA burial allowance guide.

When can the allowance be paid for a non-service-connected death?

The VA lists these situations:

• The veteran died in VA care, at a VA facility or one contracted by VA.
• The veteran died while traveling, with VA authorization and at VA's expense, to or from an exam or treatment.
• A claim for VA compensation or pension was pending at death.
• The veteran died while receiving VA pension or compensation.
• The veteran was eligible for compensation or pension but received full military retirement or disability pay instead.

What about hospice at home?

A law passed in January 2025 (Public Law 118-210, section 301) temporarily treats some veterans who die at home in VA-furnished hospice care as eligible, if that care came right after VA hospital or nursing home care. By the statute, it covers deaths from about 180 days after enactment through September 30, 2026, so it ends then unless Congress extends it. Ask the VA whether it applies to a recent death.

Who can claim, and by when?

You can claim if you are the veteran's surviving spouse or partner, child, parent, executor or administrator, or a family member, friend or funeral home representative who paid. There is no time limit for a service-connected death. For other deaths, file within 2 years after burial, with exceptions for deaths in VA care and for plot and transport claims. A surviving spouse listed on the veteran's VA profile doesn't need to claim: the VA pays a set amount automatically.

How to claim the burial allowance

1. Keep the funeral bill, receipts and the death certificate (with cause of death).
2. Apply online at VA.gov, or mail VA Form 21P-530EZ to the Pension Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin (the address is on the form).
3. Add an itemized receipt for transport costs if you paid them.
4. Include the DD214. The VA recommends it.

What do you get in a national cemetery?

The VA lists free gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, a government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, plus the same honors for cremated remains. Spouses and dependents buried with the veteran get perpetual care and a name inscription at no charge. Call 800-535-1117 to schedule. Burials take place Monday through Friday.

The VA says it lists 158 VA-managed cemeteries and 125 grant-funded state and tribal cemeteries. State cemeteries set their own fees and rules, so see our state veterans cemetery guide. For burial at sea, Navy Mortuary Affairs is at 866-787-0081.

Headstones, flags and certificates

• Headstone, marker or medallion: free for an eligible veteran, whichever cemetery. Apply with VA Form 40-1330 (800-697-6947). See VA headstones and markers.
• Burial flag: apply with VA Form 27-2008 through the funeral director, a VA regional office or a post office. It goes to the next of kin. See veteran flag cases.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate: presented automatically at a national cemetery burial. For a private cemetery, apply with VA Form 40-0247. See the PMC guide.

Military funeral honors

An eligible veteran is entitled, on request, to a detail of at least two uniformed service members who fold and present the flag and play Taps. The VA suggests asking 48 to 72 hours ahead. See military funeral honors for eligibility, levels of honors and how to ask.

Can you plan ahead?

Yes. A pre-need eligibility determination (VA Form 40-10007, or online) gives the family a decision letter. It does not reserve a gravesite. Planning ahead also means keeping a folder with the DD214, marriage certificate, and a note of the veteran's wishes. The VA Burial Benefits Kit walks you through it, and our veteran plot planning guide covers choosing a location.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the benefits are automatic. Honors, the burial flag and the allowance all need a request.
• Missing the deadline. For non-service-connected deaths, the 2-year clock starts at burial.
• Buying a headstone first. The VA provides one at no cost for an eligible veteran, so ask before you buy.
• Not knowing where the DD214 is. For a national cemetery burial, the scheduling office can search, but it can take time.
• Expecting a full funeral. The allowance covers part of the cost only.

What to do next

1. Find the DD214 (or ask the scheduling office to locate it).
2. Tell the funeral director the veteran served, and ask about honors.
3. Call 800-535-1117 if you want a national cemetery burial.
4. Keep every receipt and file the allowance claim.