No. A common misconception is that the VA covers the full cost of funeral and burial services. In reality, the VA provides limited financial assistance, such as partial reimbursement for certain burial and transportation expenses and a burial allowance in some cases. Funeral home services and other costs between the time of passing and final burial are generally not covered.
A burial allowance is a one-time payment provided by the VA to help cover some of the costs associated with a veteran’s burial. The amount depends on the veteran’s circumstances at the time of death, such as whether the death was service-connected.
Yes. Eligible veterans may be buried in a national or state veterans cemetery at no cost for the gravesite and interment. Some cemeteries may also provide a government headstone or marker.
Eligible individuals include veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Certain dependents, such as a spouse or minor child of a veteran, may also be eligible for burial in a VA cemetery.
The VA generally does not cover funeral home services, embalming, caskets, flowers, or transportation costs arranged by the family beyond what is reimbursed through the burial allowance.
Applications can be made through your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or directly with the VA. Your VSO can guide you through the paperwork, determine eligibility, and ensure you receive all benefits you qualify for.
Yes. Your VSO can provide information on state and local benefits, financial assistance programs, and counseling services for veterans’ families. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and ensure benefits are fully utilized.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides several memorial items at no cost to eligible veterans and their families.
- Government-furnished headstones or grave markers
- Bronze medallions for private headstones
- Memorial plaques
- Burial urns for cremated remains
- Surviving spouse or family member
- Funeral director
- Cemetery representative
- Veteran Service Officer
Yes. Eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries may still receive a government-furnished headstone or grave marker at no cost. The cemetery may charge a setting fee.
