Veteran burial benefits can significantly reduce your family's funeral costs, but understanding what the VA covers—and what it doesn't—requires navigating a complex system. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides financial assistance and military honors for eligible service members, yet many families miss out simply because they don't know where to start. Here's what you need to know to maximize these benefits.
Who Qualifies for VA Burial Benefits
Not every veteran automatically receives burial assistance. The VA covers eligible service members who:
- Died on active duty, during active duty for training, or while on inactive duty training
- Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Had at least one day of active service (with limited exceptions for those who died in training)
Dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also qualify for certain benefits. Notably, a dishonorable discharge disqualifies someone from nearly all VA benefits, so if you're unsure about discharge status, request a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Military Service (DD Form 214) from the National Archives.
What the VA Actually Covers
The VA offers a combination of direct financial assistance and non-monetary honors. Here's the breakdown:
Burial allowances:
- Basic allowance: Up to $796 for veterans who died from a service-connected condition; $300 for those who died from a non-service-connected condition
- Transportation: The VA reimburses the cost of transporting remains to a VA or state veterans cemetery at no cost to the family
- Plot or grave space: Free burial in a VA or state veterans cemetery (no plot fees)
Military honors:
- Flag presentation
- Rifle volley or taps (played by a live bugler when available)
- Casket escort
- Headstone or marker (at no cost)
These honors are provided by the military branch in which the veteran served. The total financial reimbursement typically ranges from $300–$800, depending on the cause of death and where burial occurs.
Non-VA Options and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Many families choose private cemeteries or funeral homes instead of VA facilities. If you select a private cemetery, the VA will not pay for plot fees—these can range from $500 to $3,000+ depending on location and cemetery type. You'll also handle funeral home costs separately; a basic funeral service averages $3,000–$5,000 nationally, though military funeral homes sometimes offer discounts to veterans' families.
If burial occurs at a private cemetery but the veteran qualifies for military honors, the military will still provide flag, volley, and escort at no charge. However, coordination becomes your responsibility—you'll need to contact the veteran's military branch directly or work through the funeral home.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Benefits
1. Gather documentation. Obtain the DD Form 214 (discharge papers) and the death certificate.
2. Contact the VA. Call the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration at 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov. Have the veteran's service number ready.
3. Decide on burial location. If choosing a VA cemetery, the VA will guide placement. If private, inform the VA and request the allowance form.
4. File VA Form 21-530. This is the Application for Burial Benefits. Submit it within two years of burial for the best outcome (though the VA may allow later claims).
5. Request military honors. Contact the veteran's military branch's casualty office or have your funeral director coordinate. This is separate from the VA application and should be requested as soon as possible after death.
6. Apply for reimbursement. If you've already paid burial costs, submit receipts along with your VA Form 21-530 for reimbursement.
Timeline Expectations
The VA typically processes burial allowance claims within 30 days, though it can extend to 60 days if documentation is incomplete. Military honors are usually provided within 5–7 business days of request, but this depends on availability of personnel and location.
If you're comparing funeral homes, crematoriums, or cemetery options, Mercoly allows you to find and evaluate trusted Veteran & Military Funeral Honors providers in one place, making it easier to confirm which facilities offer military discounts or VA coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use VA burial benefits if the veteran is cremated? Yes—the VA reimburses burial allowances for cremation services, including the urn. You may still receive military honors with a memorial service.
Q: How long do I have to file for burial benefits? While there's no strict deadline, filing within two years of death ensures faster processing; claims beyond this period may face delays or denials.
Q: Will the VA pay for a private funeral home, or must I use a VA cemetery? The VA will reimburse allowances for private funerals and cemeteries, though amounts may be lower than VA-facility burials. You cover any costs above the allowance amount.
Contact your VA regional office or a funeral home that specializes in military services to start the process today.