If you’re looking into VA burial benefits, also known as Veterans Burial Allowances, you’ll want to understand the eligibility criteria and the coverage provided. These benefits help families with the costs of burial, funeral services, and transportation, easing the financial burden during a difficult time. Here’s what you need to know.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for VA burial benefits, the following criteria must be met:
Payment Responsibility
- You must have paid for the veteran’s burial or funeral costs.
- No other organization (e.g., government agencies or the veteran’s employer) should be reimbursing you.
Relationship to the Veteran
- You’re the veteran’s surviving spouse (including same-sex marriages).
- You’re the surviving partner from a legal union, surviving child, parent, executor, or administrator of the veteran’s estate.
Veteran’s Service and Circumstances of Death
- The veteran was not dishonorably discharged.
- They died:
- From a service-connected disability, or
- While receiving care from a VA or VA-contracted facility.
Other qualifying scenarios include:
- Dying while traveling for VA-authorized care.
- Having an active VA pension or compensation claim at the time of death.
What’s Covered?
If eligible, you may receive the following benefits:
- Burial Allowance: Covers costs for burial and funeral services.
- Plot Allowance: Assists with costs related to the gravesite or interment.
- Transportation Reimbursement: Covers costs for transporting the veteran’s remains to the final resting place.
These benefits apply to all legal forms of burial, including cremation and burial at sea. If the veteran’s remains are donated to a medical school, VA benefits may still apply.
Filing Deadlines
- Non-service-connected deaths: You must file a claim within two years after the veteran’s burial.
- Service-connected deaths: There’s no time limit for filing a claim.
How to Apply
Surviving spouses don’t need to file a claim; the VA automatically processes payments upon receiving notice of the veteran’s death.
For Others:
- Online: Apply through the VA’s official website.
- By Mail: Complete VA Form 21P-530EZ and send it to:
VA Pension Intake Center
P.O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
For further assistance, call 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET.
By meeting these requirements and following the application process, you can honor your loved one appropriately while receiving financial support for their final arrangements.
FAQs
Who qualifies for VA burial benefits?
Surviving spouses, children, parents, and estate administrators may qualify.
What does the VA burial allowance cover?
It covers burial, funeral, and transportation costs.
Do spouses need to apply for VA burial benefits?
No, payments are processed automatically for surviving spouses.
Is there a deadline to apply for benefits?
For non-service-connected deaths, claims must be filed within two years.
Can cremation costs be covered by VA benefits?
Yes, VA benefits apply to cremation and burial at sea.