When dealing with the loss of a veteran, knowing the Veterans Burial Allowance can significantly ease the financial burden. These benefits, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
To qualify for Veterans Burial Allowance, you must meet specific requirements related to your relationship to the veteran, their service record, and circumstances of death.
Requirements
You may be eligible if:
- Surviving Spouse: You’re the veteran’s spouse (including same-sex marriages).
- Surviving Partner: You’re the partner from a legal union.
- Child, Parent, or Executor: You’re the veteran’s child, parent, or the executor/administrator of their estate.
Death Criteria
The veteran must have:
- Received an honorable or general discharge (not dishonorably discharged).
- Died from a service-connected disability or while under care from a VA or VA-contracted facility.
- Passed away while traveling for VA-authorized care or had an active VA pension or compensation claim at the time of death.
Benefits
Eligible individuals can receive financial support for the following:
| Type of Allowance | Description |
|---|---|
| Burial Allowance | Helps cover burial and funeral expenses. |
| Plot Allowance | Assists with costs related to the gravesite or interment. |
| Transportation Reimbursement | Covers the cost of transporting the veteran’s remains to their final resting place. |
These benefits apply to all types of burials, including cremation, burial at sea, or donations of remains to medical schools.
Filing Deadlines
The filing timeline depends on the circumstances of death:
- Non-Service-Connected Death: You must apply within two years of the veteran’s burial.
- Service-Connected Death or VA Care: No time limit for filing.
How to Apply
If you’re the surviving spouse, you don’t need to file a claim. The VA will process the payment automatically after receiving notice of the veteran’s death.
Application Options
If you’re not the spouse, you can apply using these methods:
- Online: Submit your application through the VA website.
- By Mail: Complete VA Form 21P-530EZ and send it to the VA Pension Intake Center:
Address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
P.O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365 - Support by Phone: Call 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Applying for Veterans Burial Allowance ensures that your loved one receives a dignified burial while easing the financial strain on the family. By meeting the eligibility requirements and filing promptly, you can honor their service in the best way possible.
FAQs
Who is eligible for Veterans Burial Allowance?
Surviving spouses, partners, children, and estate administrators.
What expenses are covered?
Burial, funeral, gravesite, and transportation costs.
Is there a filing deadline for benefits?
Yes, two years for non-service-connected deaths.
How do I apply for burial benefits?
Apply online, by mail, or by phone.
Are surviving spouses required to file a claim?
No, the VA processes payments automatically.
