VETERANS BURIAL BENEFITS

VETERAN’S BURIAL ALLOWANCE

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes a partial reimbursement of eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs.  When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments.  (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.  You may be entitled to a VA burial allowance if:
•    You paid for a veteran’s burial or funeral AND
•    You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran’s employer AND
•    The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
•    The veteran died because of service-related disability OR
•    The veteran was getting VA pension or compensation at the time of death OR
•    The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay OR
•    The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract.
Service related death.  The VA will pay an allowance toward burial expenses.
Non-service related death.  The VA will pay an allowance toward burial and funeral expenses and a plot interment allowance.  If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing care, the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.

HEADSTONES AND MARKERS

•    The VA furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker to mark the unmarked grave of an eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world.
•    Flat bronze, granite or marble marker and upright granite and marble headstones are available.  The style chose must be consistent with existing markers or monuments at the place of burial.
•    Niche markers are also available to mark columbarium used for inurnment of cremated remains.

BURIAL FLAGS

Most veterans are eligible for a burial flag.  Reservists entitled to retired pay are also eligible to receive a burial flag.

To facilitate receiving veterans benefits for which you may be eligible, you will need the following when you contact the Veterans Administration Office:
•    Proof of the veteran’s military service (DD 214)
•    Service Serial Number
•    Marriage License (if applicable)
•    Child’s Birth Certificate( if applicable)
•    Certified copy of the death certificate.

Veterans Administration Toll-Free Phone Number is:  1-800-827-1000 or visit their online website: www.va.gov