Veteran Burial Allowance Amounts and Application
What are the burial allowance amounts for a service-connected death?
Status | Maximum burial allowance (in U.S. $) |
---|---|
If the Veteran died on or after September 11, 2001 | 2,000 |
If the Veteran died before September 11, 2001 | 1,500 |
If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery | The VA may pay you back for some or all of the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains |
What is the burial allowance amount for a non-service-connected death?
Status | Maximum burial allowance |
---|---|
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2020 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $807 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019, but before October 1, 2020 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $796 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $780 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $762 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $749 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $747 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $745 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 | The VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $734 for a plot |
What is the burial allowance amount for a non-service-connected death if the Veteran was hospitalized by VA at the time of their death?
Status | Maximum burial allowance |
---|---|
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2020 | The VA will pay a $807 burial allowance and $807 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019, but before October 1, 2020 | The VA will pay a $796 burial allowance and $796 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 | The VA will pay a $780 burial allowance and $780 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 | The VA will pay a $762 burial allowance and $762 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 | The VA will pay a $749 burial allowance and $749 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 | The VA will pay a $747 burial allowance and $747 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 | The VA will pay a $745 burial allowance and $745 for a plot |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 | The VA will pay a $734 burial allowance and $734 for a plot |
The VA may also pay you back for some or all of the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains if they:
- Were hospitalized or in a VA-contracted nursing home at the time of death, or
- Died while travelling to VA-authorized care
Note: If a Veteran’s remains aren’t claimed, the VA will pay the person or organization responsible for the Veteran’s burial a $300 burial allowance. If the deceased qualifies, the VA may pay you back for the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains to a VA national cemetery.
Headstone or marker allowance amounts
Status | Maximum headstone or marker allowance (in U.S. $) |
---|---|
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019 | 236 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 | 290 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 | 195 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 | 208 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 | 218 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 | 199 |
If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 | 205 |
Apply Online
You can also apply:
By mail
Apply by mail using an Application for Burial Benefits (VA Form 21P-530).
Download VA Form 21P-530 (PDF)
Mail the application and other documents listed above to your nearest VA regional office. Find your nearest VA regional office
If you have questions, call 800-827-1000. The VA is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Our TTY number for people with hearing impairments is 711. Or call your VA regional office.
Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Last updated: October 1, 2020