If you or a family member are an honorably discharged veteran, it’s not only important to know that you’re entitled to a veterans burial allowance through the VA, but that you understand how to establish eligibility.

Before 2014, the VA merely reimbursed military families for their loved ones’ funerals, but newer legislation has made it possible for veterans’ families to receive monetary benefits, which vary depending upon circumstance, automatically and almost immediately.

Service-Connected Deaths

  • If the Veteran died on or after September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $2,000.
  • If the Veteran died before September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $1,500.
  • If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, VA may reimburse some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased Veteran’s remains.

Non-Service-Connected Death

  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $762 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017, VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $749 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016, VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $747 for a plot. Effective October 1, 2011, there are higher non-service-connected death rates payable if the Veteran was hospitalized by VA when he or she died.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, VA will pay a $762 burial allowance and $762 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, VA will pay a $749 burial allowance and $749 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016, VA will pay a $747 burial allowance and $747 for a plot.
  • If the death occurred while the Veteran was properly hospitalized by VA, or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the Veteran’s remains may be reimbursed.

Note: If the Veteran dies while traveling at VA expense for the purpose of examination, treatment or care, VA will pay burial, funeral, plot or interment allowances, and transportation expenses.*

*Source https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf

Proving Eligibility

  1. Fill out VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits).
  2. Attach the veteran’s death certificate.
  3. Attach a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 discharge form (or equivalent) and mail all three to the VA regional office located in your state.

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