VA Burial Benefits: What the VA Pays and What It Doesn't

VA burial benefits help with some costs of a veteran's burial, but they rarely cover the whole bill. According to the VA's burial allowance page (last updated December 15, 2025), a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001 qualifies for up to $2,000. A non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2025 qualifies for up to $1,002 toward burial plus up to $1,002 toward a plot.

On top of cash allowances, eligible veterans can get a free gravesite in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag. What the VA does not pay for is most of what the funeral home charges. Knowing the gap helps your family plan.

How much does the VA pay for a veteran's burial?

The amount depends on whether the death was service connected and on the date of death. The table below shows the figures VA lists for the most recent period.

VA also may reimburse the cost of moving the veteran's remains to a VA national cemetery, and for some veterans who died in VA care or while traveling to VA-authorized care.

What counts as a service-connected death?

A death is service connected when it was caused by, or made worse by, an illness or injury from active-duty service. VA says this is the case that qualifies for the larger $2,000 allowance (for deaths on or after 9/11/2001).

If the death was not service connected, the veteran must still meet one of VA's conditions. According to VA, at least one of these must be true:

• The veteran died while getting VA care, at a VA facility or one contracted by VA.
• The veteran died while traveling, with VA authorization and at VA expense, to or from care or an exam.
• The veteran had a VA compensation or pension claim pending and would have been entitled to benefits.
• The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation, or was eligible but took military retired pay instead.

The veteran must not have a dishonorable discharge. VA also does not pay burial allowances for someone who died on active duty, while a member of Congress, or while serving a federal prison sentence.

What is the plot or interment allowance?

The plot or interment allowance helps pay for the gravesite and the cost of burial when the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery. For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2025, VA lists up to $1,002.

It is most useful when a family chooses a private or local cemetery. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the gravesite and opening and closing of the grave are already provided, so the plot cost is not something you pay.

What does burial in a VA national cemetery include?

Burial in a VA national cemetery comes at no cost to the family for eligible people. VA says it includes:

• A gravesite in any national cemetery with space
• Opening and closing of the grave
• A government-provided burial liner
• A government headstone or marker
• Perpetual care of the gravesite

Veterans also qualify for a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors from the Department of Defense.

Who is eligible for a national cemetery?

Per VA's eligibility page, a veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge is generally eligible. So are service members who died on active duty or training, a spouse or surviving spouse (even after remarriage), and minor children. Some National Guard and Reserve members also qualify. You can request a pre-need eligibility decision ahead of time, which saves your family work later.

What doesn't the VA pay for?

The VA does not pay the full cost of a funeral. Its cash benefits are capped allowances, and they are paid back after you spend the money. Items families usually pay for include:

• Funeral home service fees
• Embalming, viewing, and visitation
• A casket or urn
• Flowers, obituaries, and printed programs
• Reception costs
• Any gap between the plot allowance and the price of a private cemetery

Funeral costs often run several thousand dollars beyond these allowances. For a fuller picture, see our guide on how much a funeral costs, or estimate your own number with the funeral cost calculator.

Can I get a free headstone or marker?

Yes, if the veteran meets VA's rules. VA provides a government headstone or marker for eligible veterans in an unmarked grave anywhere in the world. For veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, VA can also provide one for a grave already marked with a private headstone.

Veterans who began enlisted service after September 7, 1980 (or officer service after October 16, 1981) generally need 24 months of continuous active duty, or must have died on active duty. To apply, use VA Form 40-1330. Spouses and dependent children buried in a private cemetery do not get their own government headstone, but they may be added as an inscription on the veteran's.

How do I get a burial flag?

A U.S. flag to drape the casket or place with the urn is available for most veterans. According to VA's burial flag page, eligible service includes anyone who served in wartime or after January 31, 1955, among other groups.

Fill out VA Form 27-2008 and take it to a funeral director, a VA regional office, or a U.S. post office. VA cannot replace a flag that is lost, stolen, or destroyed, so keep it somewhere safe.

How do I apply for VA burial benefits?

You apply for the burial and plot allowances online or by mail with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Here is the basic process:

1. Gather the death certificate showing cause of death.
2. Find the veteran's DD214 or other separation papers. If you can't find them, request military service records from VA.
3. Keep itemized receipts, especially for transportation.
4. For a service-connected death, consider adding medical records.
5. Apply online at va.gov or mail the form to the VA Pension Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin.

A surviving spouse listed on the veteran's VA profile may not need to file at all. VA says it pays a set amount automatically to eligible spouses when it learns of the death.

Are there filing deadlines?

For a service-connected death, there is no time limit. For a non-service-connected death, you usually have 2 years after burial. There is no deadline for the plot, interment, or transportation allowance, or when the veteran died under VA care.

How can you cover the rest of the cost?

Many veterans pair VA benefits with a small life insurance policy meant for final expenses. The payout goes to your beneficiary, who can use it for the funeral home bill, travel for family, or any debts.

Some options to look into:

• VALife, if you have a service-connected disability rating. See our guide to VA Life Insurance (VALife).
• Final expense insurance, a small whole life policy. Learn what final expense insurance is.
• Coverage for older veterans. See our article on life insurance for veterans over 60.

You can also browse all our veterans life insurance guides.