Veteran's Benefits

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, the deceased must be a veteran discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, and have completed the required period of service. U.S. Armed Forces members who die on active duty are also eligible, as are spouses and dependent children of eligible living and deceased veterans, and of current and deceased armed forces members. Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 827-1000 for more information.

VA Cash Benefits for Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

$300 is available for an honorably discharged veteran, IF:

• they were in receipt of VA non-service-connected disability pension benefits or service-connected compensation benefits at the time of death OR
• the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA contracted health care facility.

Additional costs of transportation of the remains may be paid.

Active Duty or Service Connected Death

$2,000 is available IF:

• the veteran died during active duty OR
• the veteran was honorably discharged and died as a result of a service-connected injury

Burial Plot Allowance

$300 is available for an honorably discharged veteran not interred in a cemetery that is under the jurisdiction of the US government IF:

• the veteran was receiving VA non-service-connected disability pension or service-connected compensation benefits at the time of death OR
• the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA contracted health care facility.

US Flag

An honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a US flag provided by the Veterans Administration.

Headstone or Marker

In a National Cemetery, a veteran, spouse of veteran, and dependent children receive a free headstone. For burial in a private cemetery, a simple marker for veterans ONLY will be provided, if allowed by the cemetery officials. Reserved space for future inscription of spousal data may be allowed. The grave no longer has to be 'unmarked' unless the death was prior to September 11, 2001.

Burial in a National Cemetery

Free space is available for a veteran, spouse and dependent children (except Arlington). At the time of death, we will notify the Veterans Administration.