Common situation
Military veterans and their families are entitled to a meaningful set of benefits at death. These include burial in a national cemetery at no cost, military funeral honors, financial burial allowance, and ongoing survivor benefits for spouses and dependent children. The benefits depend on the type of discharge and the circumstances of death.
Any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable is generally eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, including a free grave site, opening and closing, headstone, and perpetual care.
The VA pays a burial allowance of up to $2,000 for service connected deaths and up to about $948 for non service connected deaths.
Military funeral honors (folding and presenting of the flag, playing of Taps) are provided at no cost. Request through the funeral director.
Surviving spouses may be entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) of about $1,650 per month if the death was service connected, plus additional amounts for children.
Most states also operate state veterans cemeteries with similar benefits, which can be closer to home. Some states offer additional veteran spouse benefits, including property tax relief, college tuition assistance for children, and license plate fee waivers.
Yes. The grave site, opening and closing, headstone or marker, perpetual care, and a burial flag are all provided at no cost. The family is responsible for getting the body to the cemetery.
Cremated remains are also eligible for burial or inurnment in a national cemetery. Many cemeteries have columbarium walls for urns.
Typically 3 to 6 months after filing VA Form 21P-530. Submit the application as soon as possible after the funeral.
Yes. Spouses and dependent children may be buried in a national cemetery with the veteran at no cost.
No. Military funeral honors are provided at no cost by the Department of Defense. Request through the funeral director.