VA Form 21P-530EZ
How to file VA Form 21P-530EZ
What to send with the burial benefits claim and where to file it.
VA Form 21P-530EZ is the claim for VA burial benefits. One form covers the burial allowance ($1,032 for a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026), the plot allowance and transportation costs. Whoever paid the funeral costs can file it online on VA.gov or by mail.
What does VA Form 21P-530EZ cover?
It's one claim for up to three payments: the burial allowance ($1,032 for a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, or up to $2,000 for a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001), the plot or interment allowance ($1,032), and transportation costs where they apply.
A surviving spouse listed on the veteran's VA profile is paid without a claim. A Veterans Service Officer can file the claim with you at no cost.
What do you need before you start?
- The veteran's full name, date of birth, Social Security number and date of death.
- The veteran's DD-214 or other discharge papers.
- The death certificate.
- Itemized receipts from the funeral home and cemetery.
- Proof that you paid them, such as a paid-in-full statement or a card receipt.
- Your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
Where do you send it?
- Online on VA.gov, from VA's burial allowance page.
- By mail to Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365.
- Through an accredited Veterans Service Officer at a VFW, American Legion, AMVETS or DAV office, or a county veterans office.
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 slows a claim down?
- Missing discharge papers. Request a copy of the DD-214 from the National Personnel Records Center as early as you can.
- A funeral bill that shows only a total. VA needs to see what was paid for, so ask the funeral home for an itemized statement.
- No proof of payment. The allowance goes to whoever paid, so include a receipt or statement that shows it was you.
- Bank details typed wrong. Check the routing and account numbers before you submit.
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
Who can file VA Form 21P-530EZ?
Anyone who paid the burial or funeral costs and won't be repaid by another source: a spouse, child, parent, executor, another relative or friend, or a funeral home or cemetery.
What is the mailing address for VA Form 21P-530EZ?
Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365.
How long do I have to file?
For a non-service-connected death, 2 years after the burial. There is no time limit for a service-connected death, for a death under VA care, or for the plot allowance and transportation costs.
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