Burial Expenses Allowance for Veterans

If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2024, VA will provide a monetary allowance not to exceed $978, or that amount authorized under 38 U.S.C. 2303, whichever is greater, toward the plot or interment expense for certain Veterans not buried in a national cemetery with a non-service-connected death. Up to $978 as a burial allowance is payable toward the burial expense of certain Veterans. If death is the result of a service-connected disability, payments can be made to reimburse burial and funeral expenses not to exceed $2,000 or that amount authorized under 5 U.S.C. 8134(a), whichever is greater. In addition to the statutory burial allowance, the cost of transporting the Veterans' remains from place of death to site of burial is paid by VA if death occurs in a VA facility. The transportation benefit may also be paid when a Veteran’s death occurs within a State on or after January 5, 2023, the place of burial is in any State, and at the time of death the Veteran’s remains are unclaimed OR the Veteran was in receipt of disability compensation, military retired pay in lieu of disability compensation, or VA pension. When a Veteran is buried in a national or covered Veterans’ cemetery, the cost to transport a Veteran’s remains may be paid if death was due to service-connected disability, at the time of death the Veteran was in receipt of or was entitled to receive disability compensation but for the receipt of military retired pay or non-service-connected disability pension, or the Veteran’s remains are unclaimed. The cost of transporting the remains from place of death for burial in a national cemetery or a covered Veterans’ cemetery shall not exceed the cost of transportation to the national cemetery in which space is available nearest the Veteran's last place of residence. A headstone or marker may be authorized. If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2021, the maximum headstone or marker allowance is $231. Also, an American flag to drape the casket of a Veteran may be provided.

Eligible surviving spouses of record or added to the record at the time the death is reported are paid applicable burial and plot allowances automatically upon notification of a Veteran’s death, without the need to submit a claim. VA may grant additional benefits, including the internment and transportation allowance, if VA receives a claim for these benefits. If the burial benefit has not been automatically paid to the surviving spouse, VA will pay the first living person to file a claim of those listed below: the Veteran’s surviving spouse, OR the survivor of a legal union between the deceased Veteran and the survivor, OR the Veteran’s children, regardless of age, OR the Veteran’s parents or surviving parent, OR the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased Veteran. If no one has been appointed, then VA may pay someone acting in such capacity for the estate. The next of kin, friend or associate of the deceased Veteran is eligible for the flag.

The Veteran’s surviving spouse, the survivor of a legal union between the deceased Veteran and the survivor, the Veteran’s children, regardless of age, the Veteran’s parents or surviving parent, or the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased Veteran who paid the Veteran’s burial expenses. If no one has been appointed as executor or administrator of the estate, then VA may pay someone acting in such capacity for the estate. A funeral director may be eligible if the Veteran’s remains are unclaimed.

Awards are authorized at the regional office except for headstones and markers.

The average days to complete (ADC) for Burial claims in FY25 was 53.24 days. Over 85% of Burial claims were completed in less than 125 days in FY25.