VA burial & memorial benefits

The VA provides burial and memorial benefits to honor veterans and help families with end-of-life costs. Many families don't know what's available — here's the picture, with current amounts.

Burial allowances (as of Oct 1, 2025)

• Service-connected death: up to $2,000 toward burial expenses (for deaths on or after Sept 11, 2001).
• Non-service-connected death: a $1,002 burial allowance plus a $1,002 plot/interment allowance (for eligible cases; amounts are lower for some earlier dates).

Memorial benefits (often free)

• Burial in a VA national cemetery — the gravesite, opening/closing, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care are provided at no cost to the family.
• Headstone, marker, or medallion — provided for eligible veterans (a $441 allowance applies when used in a private cemetery, as of Oct 1, 2025).
• Burial flag — a U.S. flag to drape the casket, provided free.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate — a signed certificate honoring the veteran's service.
• Transportation reimbursement may be available in certain cases.

How to apply

1. For the burial allowance, file VA Form 21P-530EZ with the veteran's death certificate and DD-214.
2. For national-cemetery burial, contact the cemetery or your funeral director; you can also apply for pre-need eligibility in advance.
3. Start at VA.gov (Burials & Memorials).

Related: survivor benefits (DIC) for the family's ongoing monthly support.

Amounts verified against VA.gov (effective Oct 1, 2025) and are adjusted periodically. General information — confirm current figures at VA.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.