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Burial and Plot-Interment Allowances
 What
Is A VA Burial Allowance?
What Is A VA Burial Allowance?
A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of an
eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not
service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments:
(1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment
allowance.
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?
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You may be eligible for a VA burial
allowance if:
-
you paid
for a veteran's burial or funeral AND
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you have
not been reimbursed by another government agency or some
other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer
and
-
the
veteran was discharged under conditions other than
dishonorable.
In
addition, at least one of the following conditions must
be met:
-
the
veteran died because of a service-related disability
or
-
the
veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time
of death or
-
the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or
compensation but decided not to reduce his/her
military retirement or disability pay
or
-
the veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a
nursing home under VA contract, or while in an
approved state nursing home.
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How Much Does VA Pay?
How Much Does VA Pay?
Service-Related Death. VA will pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. For deaths on or after September 11, 2001, VA will pay $2,000. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
Nonservice-Related Death. VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $300 for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, some of all of the costs for transporting the deceased’s remains may be reimbursed.
How Can You Apply?
How Can You Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Allowance. You should attach proof of the veteran's military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid. (Lunning Chapel will do this for you.)
To confirm or inquire about eligibility for burial benefits, you may call a Veteran’s Benefits Counselor at: 1-800-827-1000
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