Montevista | VA Burial Allowance: How to Claim Up to $2,000
VA Burial Allowance: How to Claim Up to $2,000
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial allowances to help cover funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans. Depending on circumstances, families can receive between $300 and $2,796 to offset burial expenses. Understanding eligibility requirements and the application process ensures you receive all benefits your veteran earned.
This guide explains VA burial allowance amounts, eligibility criteria, required documentation, application procedures, and timelines for receiving payment.
Understanding VA Burial Allowances
Types of VA Burial Allowances
The VA provides different allowance levels based on how the veteran passed away and where they’re buried.
Service-Connected Death Burial Allowance: Up to $2,796 – For veterans whose death was service-connected – Covers burial and funeral expenses – Higher amount reflects service-connected nature of death
Non-Service-Connected Death Burial Allowance: $300 – For eligible veterans whose death was not service-connected – Partial reimbursement toward burial costs – Lower amount but still helpful
Plot or Interment Allowance: $796 – Available when buried in private cemetery (not VA national cemetery) – Helps offset cemetery plot costs – Can be combined with non-service-connected allowance
Total possible: $300 + $796 = $1,096 for non-service-connected deaths with private cemetery burial
2025 Burial Allowance Amounts
Service-Connected Death: – Burial and funeral expenses: Up to $2,000 – Plot allowance: $796 – Total maximum: $2,796
Non-Service-Connected Death: – Burial and funeral allowance: $300 – Plot allowance (if applicable): $796 – Total maximum: $1,096
Important note: Amounts are subject to periodic adjustments. Verify current rates with VA at time of application.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Qualifies for VA Burial Allowance
Basic eligibility requirements: – Veteran died on or after October 1, 2011 (different rules for earlier deaths) – Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable – Death occurred in VA facility, VA-contracted nursing home, or was service-connected
Expanded eligibility: – Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death – Veteran was entitled to receive pension/compensation but hadn’t applied yet – Veteran died while hospitalized by VA – Veteran died while traveling at VA expense for care
Service-Connected Death Eligibility
Qualifies as service-connected death when: – Death resulted from service-connected disability – Death occurred in VA medical facility while receiving care – Veteran was receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities
Documentation required: Medical records showing connection between service-related condition and death
Non-Service-Connected Death Eligibility
Qualifies for non-service-connected allowance when: – Veteran meets discharge requirements – Death not service-connected – Veteran meets one of these conditions: – Was receiving VA pension/compensation – Died in VA facility – Died while entitled to VA benefits
Lower allowance but broader eligibility
Plot Allowance Eligibility
Qualifies for plot allowance when: – Veteran buried in private cemetery (not VA national cemetery) – Veteran not buried in national cemetery where government furnishes plot – Death occurred on or after October 1, 2011
Cannot combine with national cemetery burial (national cemetery provides plot free)
What Expenses Can Be Reimbursed
Covered Expenses
Burial and funeral expenses may include: – Funeral home professional services – Transportation of remains – Casket or urn – Opening and closing grave – Death certificates – Cremation services – Memorial service costs
Plot allowance covers: – Cemetery plot or gravesite – Burial fees – Interment costs
Expenses Not Covered
VA burial allowance does not cover: – Flowers – Memorial meals – Programs or prayer cards – Long-term cemetery maintenance – Headstones ordered privately (though VA provides free headstones separately)
How to Apply for VA Burial Allowance
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather required documents
You will need: – VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) – Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate – Receipts for burial and funeral expenses – Proof of relationship (if applicant is survivor)
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21P-530
Form sections include: – Veteran information – Service information – Claim information – Expense documentation – Applicant information
Available online at: VA.gov or from VA regional office
Step 3: Attach supporting documents
Required attachments: – Copy of death certificate – Copy of DD-214 showing discharge status – Itemized receipts for burial/funeral costs – Evidence of payment (canceled checks, credit card statements)
Step 4: Submit application
Three submission methods:
Mail: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Management Center PO Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Online: – VA.gov (if you have eBenefits account) – Upload documents through secure portal
Through funeral director: – Many funeral directors assist with VA paperwork – They submit on your behalf – Can simplify process during difficult time
Step 5: Follow up
- VA will send acknowledgment letter
- May request additional information
- Monitor claim status online
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants: – Surviving spouse – Surviving child – Surviving parent – Executor/administrator of estate – Funeral director (with authorization)
Only one party can receive allowance—coordinate to avoid multiple applications
Application Timeline and Deadlines
When to Apply
File within 2 years of burial or cremation
This is a strict deadline. Applications filed after 2 years will generally be denied.
File as soon as possible after: – Receiving death certificate – Paying funeral/burial expenses – Gathering necessary documents
No “too early”—you can apply immediately after burial
Processing Time
Typical processing time: 30-90 days
Factors affecting processing: – Completeness of application – Whether additional documentation needed – Current VA workload – Complexity of case
Expedited processing: – Cases involving financial hardship may be prioritized – Contact VA to explain urgent circumstances
Receiving Payment
Payment methods: – Direct deposit to bank account (fastest) – Check mailed to address on application
Who receives payment: – Person who paid expenses (with proof) – If multiple people paid, VA divides proportionally – Estate if estate paid expenses
Special Circumstances
Multiple Burial Allowances
Can you receive multiple benefits?
Yes, you can combine: – Non-service-connected burial allowance ($300) – PLUS plot allowance ($796) – Total: $1,096
Cannot combine: – Service-connected allowance already includes higher amount – Cannot receive both service-connected and non-service-connected allowances
State Veterans Benefits
Many states offer additional burial benefits: – State veterans cemeteries (free burial) – Additional burial allowances – Transportation assistance
California veterans: – CalVet provides additional benefits – State veterans cemeteries available – Contact California Department of Veterans Affairs
Check with your state for additional benefits beyond federal VA allowance
Burial in National Cemetery
Important: No burial allowance if buried in VA national cemetery
Why? – National cemetery provides plot, opening/closing, headstone, and perpetual care free – Burial allowance is meant to offset costs paid by family – No costs to reimburse when using national cemetery
You can still receive: – Free headstone – Military funeral honors – Burial flag – Presidential Memorial Certificate
Pension Eligibility
Veterans receiving VA pension: – Automatically eligible for burial allowance – Surviving spouse may qualify for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) – Additional survivor benefits may apply
Prior to October 1, 2011
Different rules for deaths before October 1, 2011: – Lower allowance amounts – Different eligibility criteria – Contact VA for specific guidance
Common Questions About VA Burial Allowance
How much is the VA burial allowance? $300-$2,796 depending on whether death was service-connected and where veteran is buried.
Who gets the burial allowance? The person who paid the burial expenses receives reimbursement.
What is the deadline to apply? Within 2 years of burial or cremation.
Can I get a burial allowance if veteran is buried in national cemetery? No, because the national cemetery provides burial services at no cost.
Do I need receipts? Yes, itemized receipts showing what you paid are required.
How long until I receive payment? Typically 30-90 days after filing complete application.
Can the funeral home help with the application? Yes, many funeral directors assist families with VA paperwork.
What if I can’t find the DD-214? Request a replacement from National Archives (eVetRecs.archives.gov) or call 1-866-272-6272.
Can I get reimbursed for cremation? Yes, cremation expenses qualify for burial allowance.
Is the burial allowance taxable? No, VA benefits are not taxable income.
Maximizing Your VA Benefits
Apply for All Eligible Benefits
Don’t stop at burial allowance—claim: – Burial allowance (this benefit) – Free headstone or marker – Military funeral honors – Burial flag – Presidential Memorial Certificate
Each benefit requires separate application
Work with Experienced Funeral Homes
Veterans-friendly funeral homes: – Familiar with VA paperwork – Can file claims on your behalf – Understand what expenses qualify – Know how to document properly
Ask funeral homes: – Do you regularly handle veterans funerals? – Will you help with VA paperwork? – What are your fees for VA benefit assistance?
Get Help from VSOs
Veterans Service Organizations provide free assistance:
Organizations: – American Legion – Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – AMVETS
Services provided: – Help completing forms – Gathering documentation – Filing claims – Following up with VA
No cost to veterans or families
Keep Good Records
Document everything: – Save all receipts – Keep copies of forms submitted – Note dates of phone calls to VA – Track claim status
Organized records speed processing
If Your Claim Is Denied
Common Reasons for Denial
Application denied because: – Filed after 2-year deadline – Veteran not eligible (dishonorable discharge, etc.) – Insufficient documentation – Expenses not properly documented
Appeals Process
If denied, you can appeal:
Step 1: Request explanation – VA must explain denial reason – Review decision letter carefully
Step 2: File Notice of Disagreement – Within 1 year of denial – Explain why you disagree
Step 3: Get help – Contact Veterans Service Organization – They assist with appeals free
Key Takeaways
VA burial allowance helps offset funeral costs:
- Service-connected death: Up to $2,796 total
- Non-service-connected death: Up to $1,096 total
- File within 2 years of burial (strict deadline)
- Documentation required: DD-214, death certificate, receipts
- Processing time: 30-90 days typically
- Payment goes to person who paid expenses
- Not available if buried in VA national cemetery (cemetery provides services free)
- Veterans Service Organizations provide free help with applications
- Multiple benefits available—burial allowance is just one
Don’t leave money on the table—apply for all VA benefits your veteran earned.
Veterans Burial Benefits Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens assists families with understanding and claiming VA burial benefits. Our team can help coordinate VA burial allowances, connect families with military honors resources, and ensure veterans receive all earned benefits.
Our staff can help guide families through VA paperwork requirements and point them toward available benefits.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss veterans burial benefits and assistance with VA burial allowance claims.