VA Burial Benefits Checker
Burial allowance, plot allowance, and headstone benefits work differently depending on cause of death and burial location. Answer three questions to see what actually applies.
VA burial benefits break into three separate pieces that don't all apply the same way: a burial allowance toward funeral costs (up to $2,000 for a service-connected death, or up to $1,002 for a non-service-connected death or death while a VA patient), a separate plot/interment allowance (up to $1,002, only if not buried in a national cemetery), and a headstone benefit (a free government-furnished marker, or up to $441 toward a privately purchased one instead). Burial space itself is always free in a VA national cemetery or Arlington, regardless of cause of death.
These benefits get confused constantly because the dollar amount and the filing deadline both depend on which category applies, and "the VA burial allowance" isn't actually one single benefit. Answer the three questions below to see exactly which pieces apply to your situation.
Check Which Benefits Apply
The dollar amount and deadline both hinge on which of three categories a death falls into. A service-connected death qualifies for a single combined burial allowance of up to $2,000, with no time limit to file the claim. A death that wasn't service-connected but happened while the veteran was receiving VA or VA-contracted care (hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care) qualifies for up to $1,002 toward burial and funeral costs, also with no time limit. Every other non-service-connected death qualifies for the same up to $1,002 burial allowance, but the claim generally has to be filed within 2 years of the veteran's permanent burial or cremation, unlike the other two categories.
The plot or interment allowance is a separate benefit from the burial allowance, worth up to $1,002, and only applies if the veteran isn't buried in a national cemetery, since burial space in a VA national cemetery or Arlington is provided at no cost regardless of cause of death. It's available for the non-service-connected and VA-patient categories; a service-connected death's $2,000 burial allowance already functions as a single combined amount rather than needing this separate plot payment on top.
The headstone benefit works differently from both: it isn't a dollar amount tied to cause of death at all. Every eligible veteran can receive a government-furnished headstone or marker at no cost, whether buried in a national or private cemetery. If the family would rather purchase a private headstone themselves, VA offers a reimbursement allowance of up to $441 instead, but the two options are mutually exclusive; a family gets one or the other, not both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the VA burial allowance in 2026?
Up to $2,000 for a service-connected death, with no time limit to file. For a non-service-connected death, or a veteran who died while receiving VA (or VA-contracted) hospital care, it's up to $1,002 for burial and funeral costs, plus a separate up to $1,002 plot or interment allowance if not buried in a national cemetery.
Is burial free in a VA national cemetery?
Yes. Burial space, opening and closing of the grave, and a government headstone or marker are provided at no cost in any VA national cemetery or Arlington National Cemetery, regardless of cause of death. A separate burial allowance toward funeral home costs may still apply depending on the cause of death.
Does the VA pay for a headstone or grave marker?
Yes, a government-furnished headstone or marker is provided at no cost for any eligible veteran, in a national or private cemetery. If the family prefers to purchase a private headstone instead, they can request a reimbursement allowance of up to $441 in place of the government-furnished one, but not both.
How long do I have to file a VA burial benefit claim?
There's no time limit for a service-connected death or for a veteran who died while receiving VA or VA-contracted care. For a standard non-service-connected death, the claim generally must be filed within 2 years of the veteran's permanent burial or cremation.
What discharge status is required for VA burial benefits?
Generally, a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. A dishonorable discharge generally disqualifies a veteran from VA burial benefits, though a character-of-discharge review by the VA may be possible in some cases.
This checker provides a general estimate based on current VA burial, plot, and headstone allowance rules and does not constitute a determination of eligibility. It does not cover the separate transportation allowance, burial flag, or Presidential Memorial Certificate, which have their own rules. For an official determination or to file a claim, use VA Form 21P-530EZ or contact the VA directly.