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 receiving 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, or while in an approved state nursing
home.
How Much Does VA Pay ?
Service-Related Death. VA will
pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses for deaths prior to
September 10, 2001. For deaths on or after September 11, 2001,
VA will pay $2,000. If the veteran is buried in a VA national
cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may
be reimbursed.
Nonservice-Related Death. VA
will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and
a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior to December
1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $300 for deaths on
or after December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the
veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home
care, some of all of the costs for transporting the deceased’s
remains may be reimbursed.
How Can You Apply ?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application
for Burial Allowance. You should attach proof of the veteran's
military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies
of funeral and burial bills you have paid.
Related Benefits
Burial in VA National Cemeteries
Headstones and Markers
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Burial Flags
County VA Benefits
For More Information Call
Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
Or Visit Our Web Site At http://www.cem.va.gov
Compensation & Pension Service –
April 2002
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