The VA has expanded burial benefits for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors to alleviate end-of-life expenses associated with a Veteran’s gravesite, burial, funeral, and the transportation of remains to their final resting place.

These benefits are available to individuals who cover a Veteran’s burial and funeral costs, which are not reimbursed by any other organization. The objective is to ensure that Veterans are honored in their final resting places and provide support to their families during the challenging period following their loved one’s passing, as stated by VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Joshua Jacobs.

Expanded Benefits for Veterans and Families

The updated burial benefits include several key provisions. First, there is wider reimbursement for transportation expenses. The VA now offers expanded reimbursement for transportation expenses, including the costs associated with transporting remains to state or Tribal Veterans’ cemeteries, in addition to the previously eligible national cemeteries.

Additionally, non-service-connected burial benefits have seen the introduction of a more generous single payment rate, improving support for Veterans and their families. The VA has also extended the plot or interment allowance to Tribal organizations, thereby broadening the reach of these benefits.

Supporting Veterans and Their Families

The VA delivered over 84,000 burial benefits to Veterans’ families in the last fiscal year, highlighting the importance of these expanded benefits in honoring Veterans and assisting their families.

VA burial benefits are available for legally recognized burial types, including cremation, burial at sea, and the donation of remains to a medical school. Eligible recipients include surviving spouses or legal partners, surviving children, parents, or executors of the Veteran’s estate. Additionally, the VA may pay burial benefits to a funeral home or third party if they have managed the burial arrangements for an unclaimed Veteran.

Plan Ahead for End-of-Life Benefits

To make the most of these benefits, Veterans are encouraged to plan ahead and explore the range of end-of-life benefits offered by the VA, such as life insurance, care preferences, survivor benefits, and burial benefits, which can be applied for in advance of the Veteran’s passing.

Time Limits and Further Information

It is essential to note that there is no time limit for filing claims related to service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance, or the transportation benefit. However, claims for non-service-connected burial benefits must be submitted within two years of the Veteran’s burial or cremation, in cases where the cause of death was unrelated to military service.

Veterans and their families seeking more information about these burial benefits and other services, including flags, headstones, and markers, are encouraged to explore the VA’s resources here.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.