The VA Burial Allowance: What It Is and What It Pays

When a veteran passes away, families often assume the VA will cover all funeral costs. The truth is a bit more specific — the VA provides a burial allowance to help with certain expenses, but it doesn’t cover everything. Understanding what’s included, who qualifies, and how much is paid can save families time, stress, and out-of-pocket costs.

What the VA Burial Allowance Covers

The VA offers a burial allowance to eligible veterans, which helps offset funeral and burial expenses. There are three main types:

1. Service-Connected Burial Allowance

   • For veterans who die from a service-connected disability.

   • For 2026, the allowance is up to $2,023.

   • Paid toward funeral, burial, or cremation costs.

2. Non-Service-Connected Burial Allowance

   • For veterans who die from other causes.

   • For 2026, the allowance is up to $824.

   • Reimbursement is usually provided after submitting receipts to the VA.

3. Plot or Interment Allowance

   • If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA may reimburse a portion of the plot cost.

   • Maximum for 2026: $922, depending on circumstances.

National Cemetery Benefits

Eligible veterans can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. Benefits include:

• Gravesite or interment space

• Opening and closing of the grave

• Perpetual care for the gravesite

• Standard headstone or marker

• VA-provided flag for the grave

Spouses and dependent children may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Cremation options are available as well.

Transportation and Additional Support

The VA may reimburse transportation costs for moving the veteran’s remains to a national cemetery or closer to family. Families may also access:

• Presidential Memorial Certificates

• Grave markers or medallions if a private marker is used

• Certain military funeral honors

What the VA Doesn’t Cover

It’s important to know what the VA will not pay for, including:

• Embalming, caskets, or flowers

• Memorial services or chapel fees

• Cemetery maintenance outside VA national cemeteries

• Any personal or family expenses unrelated to burial or interment

What to Do Next

1. Check Eligibility Early – Pre-need eligibility allows some arrangements to be made in advance.

2. Gather Documents – DD Form 214, death certificate, and receipts may be required.

3. Consider National Cemeteries – Pre-registering simplifies the process.

4. File Claims Promptly – Use VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) for allowances and reimbursements.

Even with VA support, many families miss out on benefits simply because the process isn’t widely understood. EARNEd.vet will continue breaking down VA benefits in plain language so veterans and their families can access what they’ve earned.