The VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of burial and funeral costs. You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:
- You paid for a veteran’s burial or funeral; and
- You were not 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.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
- The veteran died because of a service-related disability;
- The veteran was either receiving or entitled to receive a VA pension or compensation at the time of death;
- The veteran died in a VA hospital or in a nursing home under VA contract.
The VA pays up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for service-related deaths. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
For non service-related deaths, the VA pays up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $700 plot/interment allowance. If the death happened while the veteran was hospitalized by the VA, they will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $700 plot/interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
To apply complete VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Allowance. You must apply within two years of death and will need a copy of the deceased’s military discharge (DD 214 or similar), death certificate and paid in full funeral and burial bills.
Philadelphia National Cemetery
Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery (Newtown)
Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (Harrisburg area)
