VA Burial Benefits for Veterans: Everything Your Family Needs to Know
The men and women who served our country deserve to be honored in death as they were in life. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of veteran burial benefits to help cover funeral expenses and ensure a dignified farewell. This guide explains everything your family needs to know about VA funeral benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
What VA Burial Benefits Are Available?
The VA offers several types of burial benefits for eligible veterans and, in some cases, their spouses and dependents:
- Burial allowance: A payment toward burial and funeral costs. The amount depends on whether the death was service-connected and on the date of death:
- Service-connected death: up to $2,000 for deaths on or after September 11, 2001 ($1,500 before that date).
- Non-service-connected death: up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs plus up to $1,032 for a plot or interment allowance for deaths on or after October 1, 2026 ($1,002 each for deaths from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The veteran must meet one of VA's conditions — for example, receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, or dying while in VA care.
- Free burial in a national cemetery: Eligible veterans can be buried at no cost in a VA national cemetery with available space. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing the grave, a government-provided burial liner, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the site. Eligible spouses and dependents can be buried with the veteran.
- Government headstone or marker: The VA provides a free headstone, marker, or medallion for any eligible veteran, regardless of whether they are buried in a national, state, or private cemetery.
- Presidential memorial certificate: A certificate signed by the current President, expressing gratitude for the veteran's service. Families can request multiple copies at no cost.
- Burial flag: A United States flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn. After the service, the flag is given to the next of kin as a keepsake.
Military Funeral Honors
Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. At a minimum, this includes:
- A detail of at least two uniformed service members
- The ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin
- The playing of "Taps" (live bugler or high-quality recording)
Full military honors, which include a gun salute, color guard, and additional ceremonial elements, may be available depending on the veteran's rank and branch of service. Contact the military branch directly or ask your funeral director to coordinate.
Who Is Eligible?
Generally, the following individuals are eligible for VA burial benefits:
- Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
- Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans (for national cemetery burial)
- In some cases, adult children who were permanently disabled before age 21
Veterans who received a dishonorable discharge are generally not eligible for VA burial benefits. If you are unsure about eligibility, contact your local VA regional office or call 1-800-827-1000.
How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits
- Gather documents: You will need the veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and proof of relationship if you are a surviving spouse or family member.
- Contact the VA: Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov to begin the application process.
- Complete VA Form 21P-530EZ: This is the Application for Burial Benefits. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
- Work with your funeral home: Many funeral homes are experienced in helping families navigate the VA benefits process. The funeral director can often coordinate military honors and cemetery arrangements on your behalf.
State Veteran Cemetery Benefits
In addition to federal benefits, many states operate their own veteran cemeteries with additional perks, such as expanded eligibility for family members, unique memorial options, and locations closer to home. Check with your state's Department of Veterans Affairs for details.
Honoring a veteran's service extends to their final farewell. Our AI Planning Assistant can walk you through VA burial benefits, help you find funeral homes experienced with military traditions, and guide you through the benefits application process — available 24/7.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Burial Allowance
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: What does burial in a VA national cemetery include?
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery
- Military OneSource (U.S. Department of Defense): Frequently asked questions about military funeral honors
People Also Ask
Are veterans entitled to a free burial?
Yes. Eligible veterans can be buried at no cost in a VA national cemetery with available space. The benefit includes the gravesite, opening and closing the grave, a burial liner, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care — all at no charge to the family.
What is the current VA burial allowance?
If the death was service-connected, VA pays up to $2,000 toward burial expenses (deaths on or after September 11, 2001). If it was not service-connected, VA pays up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs plus up to $1,032 for a plot or interment allowance for deaths on or after October 1, 2026 ($1,002 each for deaths from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). These amounts change every October 1, so confirm the rate for the date of death at va.gov.
Does every veteran get military funeral honors?
Yes. All veterans with an honorable or general discharge are entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. This includes at least two uniformed service members, the ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag, and the playing of Taps (live or recorded).