BURIAL BENEFITS
(Claims must be filed within 2 years after permanent burial or cremation.)

1. BURIAL ALLOWANCE
Payment, not to exceed $300. At the time of death, the veteran must (1) be receiving VA benefits (pension or disability), (2) death must have occurred in a VA hospital, or (3) deceased was receiving retirement pay in lieu of VA benefits.

2. PLOT ALLOWANCE
Additional amount, not exceeding $150 as a plot or interment allowance, may be allowed when the veteran is not buried in a National Cemetery or other cemetery under jurisdiction of the U.S. government.

3. FEDERAL DEATH BENEFIT Payment of an amount not exceeding $1,500 or the Federal Death Benefit, whichever is greater, as a burial allowance if the veteran's death is service connected. This is in lieu of the $300 basic burial allowance and the $150 plot/interment allowance.

4. TRANSPORTATION (to National Cemetery nearest home)
The veteran died while in a
hospital, domiciliary or nursing home to which he/she had been properly admitted under
authority of VA; OR
The veteran died en route while traveling under prior authorization of VA for the purpose of examination, treatment or care; OR
The veteran died of a service-connected disability or had a compensable service-connected disability and burial is in a national cemetery.

5. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO ACCOMPANY CLAIM
V.A. Form 21-530 "Application For Burial Benefits".
Statement of account on the funeral director's letterhead, including
name and address by whom payment was made in part or in full.
The original or certified copy of the veteran's service separation
document (DD214).
Itemized transportation receipts.
Receipt for the individual gravesite, mausoleum vault, or columbarium niche.

TOLL FREE ASSISTANCE: 1-800-827-1000