Veterans Administration

If you are a military veteran, your family should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after your death. The VA may be able to help with some burial or cremation costs, depending on your situation.

Here is what your family may learn:

If your death was service-connected, the VA may pay up to $2,000 toward burial or cremation expenses.

If your death was not service-connected, the VA may still help, but only in certain cases. If you passed away while staying at a VA hospital (or approved facility), the VA may pay:

- Up to $796 for burial or cremation, and

- Up to $796 for a burial plot

Who can receive these VA benefits

The person applying for the benefit must be one of the following:

- Your spouse or partner

- Your son or daughter

- One of your parents

- The executor or administrator of your estate

You may also qualify if one or more of the following is true:

- Your death was caused by a service-connected disability

- You died while receiving care at a VA facility or a VA-approved facility

- You died while traveling (with VA approval) to receive VA care

- You were receiving a VA pension at the time of death

- You were eligible for a VA pension but chose to receive full military pay instead

As you can see, VA burial payments come with several rules and conditions. Even so, in most cases, the following honors and benefits are provided at no cost to the family and are meant to recognize and respect a veteran’s service.

- Burial in a national military cemetery

There are over 100 national cemeteries across the country. Many honorably discharged veterans, and those who died on active duty, may qualify. This usually comes at no cost to the family.

- A Burial Flag

An American flag may be provided and presented to a family member or close friend at the service.

- A Presidential Memorial Certificate

This is an engraved certificate with the signature of the current President, honoring the veteran’s service.

- Military Funeral Honors

If requested, this may include uniformed military members, the playing of Taps, and in some cases, a 21-gun salute.