Reimnbursement of Burial Expenses

Generally, the VA will pay a burial allowance of up to $2000 if the veteran’s death was service-related.

 

When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.

 

Service-Related Death - The VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. The VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001.

 

Transportation cost

If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

 

Veterans’ Benefit Act of 2010 Update:

For deaths which occur after Oct. 1, 2011 the VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $700 plot-interment allowance.

 

You may be eligible for a VA burial reimbursement 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 conditions other than dishonorable.

And 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 the expense of the VA to or from a medical facility.
  • The veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found to be entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date or death.
  • The veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.

Application

A Veteran’s Funeral Specialists will gladly assist you in apply for any military burial benefit at your request. The form is the “VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Benefits”. Which should include an attached proof of the veteran’s military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid.

 

Time Limits for Making Claims

Concerning service-connected deaths, there is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims. In other deaths, claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation. If burial expenses were paid by a non-government agency such as the deceased’s employer or a state agency, the burial allowance will not be reimbursed to those making interment arrangements.