[ Home ] [ Claims Office ] [ Links ] [ Disclaimer ]

Burial Allowance Benefits

What is a VA Burial Allowance?

A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: (1 ) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance 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.

In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

  • the veteran died because of a service-related disability OR
  • the veteran was getting VA pension or compensation at the time of death OR
  • the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay OR
  • the veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract.

How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-related death - VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving t he deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-related death - VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot interment allowance if the Veteran was receiving a monthly disability payment from the VA at the time of death. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed and a $700 burial allowance is payable.  

How Can I Apply ?

Assistance is available by contacting our V.F.W. Service Office at Fort Snelling or through your County Veterans Service Office.

Electronic applications can be made at www.va.gov and click on e-benefits… a Caution here is that by applying on-line you have no representation in your claim, which is not recommended.

 [ Return to Top of Page ] [ Home ] [ Claims Office ] [ Links ] [ Disclaimer ]