Partial Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
Program Description
Veterans Administration (VA) burial allowances are partial reimbursements of eligible veterans' burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, VA may be able to pay two modest allowances:- One for burial and funeral expense, and
- One for the cemetery plot.
When the cause of death is service-related, the reimbursement comes in the form of a single, larger payment for burial and funeral expenses. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, VA may pay a reimbursement for transportation costs.
General Program Requirements
Generally, at least one of following additional eligibility criteria must also be met. Reimbursement is possible if the veteran:
- Died because of a service-related disability, OR
- Was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR
- Was entitled to receive VA compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retired pay, OR
- Died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or died after October 9,1996 while in an approved state nursing home, OR
- Had a claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, OR
- Died while traveling, under proper authorization and at VA expense, to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
