VA burial allowance
VA burial allowance benefits and amounts
How much VA pays toward a veteran's funeral, who qualifies and how to claim it.
For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, VA pays a burial allowance of $1,032, plus $1,032 toward a plot when the veteran isn't buried in a national cemetery. For a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001, VA pays up to $2,000. The person who paid the funeral costs claims it on VA Form 21P-530EZ.
How much is the VA burial allowance?
VA adjusts the non-service-connected burial and plot allowances every October 1. For deaths from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, both were $1,002. For a service-connected death, the allowance replaces the general plot allowance under 38 U.S.C. § 2307.
Source: VA.gov, Veterans burial allowance and transportation benefits. Non-service-connected amounts apply to deaths on or after October 1, 2026. Earlier deaths use the earlier rates on VA's page.
| Death | Burial allowance | Plot allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service connected, on or after September 11, 2001 | Up to $2,000 | Not paid in addition |
| Service connected, before September 11, 2001 | Up to $1,500 | Not paid in addition |
| Not service connected | $1,032 | $1,032 |
Who qualifies for the VA burial allowance?
The veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge. VA also requires one of these to be true about the death:
- The veteran died from a service-connected disability.
- The veteran died while getting VA care at a VA facility or one VA contracted with.
- The veteran died while traveling, with VA's authorization and at VA's expense, to or from an exam or treatment.
- The veteran had a VA pension or compensation claim pending and would have been entitled to benefits.
- The veteran was receiving a VA pension or compensation.
- The veteran was eligible for VA pension or compensation but received full military retirement or disability pay instead.
Who can claim it?
Whoever paid for the burial or funeral and won't be repaid by another source, such as a government agency or the veteran's employer. That can be a surviving spouse, a child or parent, the executor or administrator of the estate, another relative or friend, or a funeral home or cemetery.
VA pays a surviving spouse without a claim when the spouse is listed on the veteran's VA profile. Everyone else files VA Form 21P-530EZ.
Which deaths don't qualify?
VA's burial allowance doesn't cover a death on active duty, while serving as a member of Congress, or while serving a federal prison sentence. Deaths on active duty are handled by the service branch.
Is there a deadline to file?
- Service-connected death: no time limit.
- Non-service-connected death: file within 2 years after the burial.
- No time limit if the veteran died under VA care at a VA or VA-contracted facility.
- No time limit for the plot or interment allowance or for transportation costs.
What if VA says no?
The decision letter explains why and lists your options. You can generally ask for a decision review within one year of the date on the letter: a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, a Higher-Level Review, or an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Common reasons for a denial are a disputed character of discharge, missing service records or a service requirement that wasn't met. A Veterans Service Officer can help with the review at no cost.
Where can you get help?
VA benefits line: 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, for the burial allowance and other benefits.
National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, to schedule a burial in a VA national cemetery.
Accredited Veterans Service Officers at VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV and county veterans offices help with claims and appeals at no cost.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does VA pay for a veteran's funeral?
For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, VA pays up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs and $1,032 for a plot; for a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001, the burial allowance is up to $2,000.
Does the VA burial allowance cover cremation?
Yes. VA says burial benefits cover all legal burial types, including cremation, burial at sea and donation to a medical school.
Do surviving spouses have to apply?
Not if they are listed on the veteran's VA profile. VA pays them without a claim. Otherwise, file VA Form 21P-530EZ.
Can the spouse be buried with the veteran in a VA national cemetery?
Yes. A spouse or surviving spouse is eligible, even after remarrying, and so are eligible dependent children. The gravesite, opening and closing, and perpetual care cost nothing.
What if the veteran's DD-214 is missing?
The next of kin can request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center at vetrecs.archives.gov or on Standard Form 180. You can still call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office in the meantime. VA can check eligibility without the papers, though it can take several days.
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