Comprehensive Guide to VA Burial Benefits and Funeral Assistance

When we experience the death of a loved one in the family, whether it is sudden or a lengthy process, it can still lead to a great deal of confusion and grief. The survivors often find themselves not well prepared to deal with the recent loss, especially when it comes to funeral and burial arrangements.

The US Government holds the belief that those who served in defense of the country should receive honorable burials as a token of the country’s appreciation for their service. It is for this reason that the Veterans Administration (VA) provides funeral benefits to the survivors and families of Servicemembers and Veterans. Survivors can apply to the VA to receive VA burial benefits on the Veteran’s behalf, or the Veteran can do so himself as part of end-of-life planning. These VA burial benefits assist in covering the unexpected and significant expenses of funerals and burials. The application for burial benefits is easy, and VA burial benefits eligibility is very broad.

Understanding VA Burial Benefits: What is Covered?

VA burial benefits and Veterans funeral benefits are programs offered by the Veterans Administration that include a burial allowance to help cover funeral costs, the option to bury a Veteran in a VA national cemetery at no cost, receive a headstone, and graveside military funeral honors. Veterans funeral benefits help the family to provide a dignified burial with minimal financial burden to the survivors, although eligibility depends on the Veteran’s discharge status and issues surrounding the death, primarily if it was service-related or not. In some cases, these VA burial benefits help cover the cost of burial plots as well as the right to receive graveside honors from an honor guard. Here are some of the Veterans funeral benefits:

• Burial allowance: This is a flat-rate payment for funeral experience expenses, with higher amounts issued for service-related deaths.
• National cemetery burial: Any qualifying Servicemember or Veteran is eligible for no-cost burial in a VA national cemetery.
• Military funeral honors: The VA provides ceremonial elements during a Servicemember’s funeral, such as presenting of the American flag, the playing of Taps, a military honor guard, and, in some cases, a gun salute.
• Headstone or marker: Any Servicemember is eligible to receive a government-issued headstone or marker, which they can place in either a VA national cemetery or a private cemetery.

How to Apply for VA Funeral and Burial Benefits

The application for burial benefits is a straightforward process and VA burial benefits eligibility applies to any military personnel. You can download the VA Burial Benefits Application PDF, or you can apply online by clicking here. You can download and complete VA Form 21P-530EZ, the application for burial benefits, and mail it to the pension management center. You can contact your local VA office and work with an accredited representative. You can turn in the VA burial benefits application to your regional processing office as well. In many cases, the funeral home that you are working with will be familiar with the application for burial benefits and know how to apply for VA burial benefits and Veterans funeral benefits or if your loved one meets VA burial benefits eligibility. In almost every case, you will need a signed and completed VA Form 21P-530EZ, any required evidence for each burial benefit claimed, DD2214 discharge papers, and proof of the Veteran’s death, including cause of death, if you are claiming a service-connected burial allowance for Veterans funeral benefits. Be sure to have an original copy of the death certificate for VA burial benefits as well.

You can call 1-800–535–1117 if you have questions about your application for Veterans funeral benefits.

Steps to take:

• Apply online: Go to this link and fill out the application for burial benefits.
• Submit a paper: Download and complete VA Form 21P-530EZ, Application for Burial Allowance, and mail it to the Pension Management Center.
• Work with a representative: You can work with a representative to apply for Veterans funeral benefits, explain the application for burial benefits, and check your VA burial benefits eligibility.
• Visit your local regional benefit office: You can turn in your VA burial benefits application for processing at your local regional benefit office.
• Contact your county Veterans’ service office: You can contact your county Veterans’ service office for help in obtaining VA burial benefits, burial benefits for Veterans spouse, or to check VA burial benefits eligibility.

After you apply, you can:

• If more information is required, expect a mail contact.
• After processing your application, expect to receive a letter in the mail with the decision. Call 800-535-1117 if you have questions about your application or VA burial benefits eligibility.
• You have the option to request a pre-need determination for burial in a VA national cemetery. You can learn more about this service at this link or by calling 877-222-8387.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Burial Benefits and Allowances

VA burial benefits eligibility can vary, depending on the length of time in service, the type of discharge, and whether the death was service-related. In general, to qualify for VA burial benefits, the Veteran must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify for the full benefits. Furthermore, there are also VA burial benefits for Veterans spouses depending on certain circumstances. Any Servicemember who died during combat or due to a service-related disability might be eligible for higher burial allowances. The following individuals are eligible for in-ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery:

• Servicemembers who died on active duty
• Military retirees and their immediate family
• Recipients of the Purple Heart or Silver Star
• Prisoners of war who died after November 30, 1993

VA Benefits for Spouses and Dependents After a Veteran’s Death

The VA also provides Veterans death benefits for spouses who meet specific eligibility requirements. In addition to assisting with funeral and burial costs for the Veterans, the VA also offers VA survivor benefits for widows and Veterans death benefits for spouse. Veterans’ surviving spouses may qualify for a range of VA benefits, including:

• Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC): This is a monthly benefit paid to the surviving spouse and dependents of Veterans as part of VA survivor benefits for widows.
• The survivor’s pension: This provides a tax-free benefit to a spouse who has not remarried after the death of a wartime Veteran. The main difference between this pension and DIC is that this benefit is based on financial need, while DIC is not.
• Burial and funeral costs: As covered above, VA burial benefits help pay for the dignified burial and funeral of a Servicemember, if the deceased meets VA burial benefits eligibility.
• Life insurance: This benefit offers financial security for the family of a Servicemember or Veteran as a payout to cover the finances.
• Healthcare: All widows and surviving spouses of Servicemembers have access to the VA TRICARE health system.
• Financial assistance: The VA covers higher education and training curriculums for the spouses and dependents of Veterans through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), NMFA MilSpouse Scholarships, and many others.

FAQs: Common Questions About VA Burial and Death Benefits

If you have further questions about the benefits for the spouse of a deceased Veteran or the application for burial benefits, contact your local regional VA office and speak to a representative who can clarify many questions for you.