What Are VA Burial Allowances?
VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs.  When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments:  (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:

• you paid for a veteran's burial or funeral  AND
• 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, in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home.

How Much Does VA Pay?
Service-Related Death.  VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001.  VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001.  If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-Related Death.  VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot-interment allowance for deaths on or after December 1, 2001.  The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001.  If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the deceased's remains may be reimbursed.