Veterans, service members, and some family members may qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery. Any veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge is eligible. Additionally, any surviving spouse or minor children may also use a national cemetery.The gravesite, headstone, opening and closing, and grave liner are all provided at no cost. However, your family will still be responsible for the costs of body preparation, transportation, casket or urn, and any funeral services. Using a national cemetery at no cost does not mean your entire funeral is covered.

As of 2023, the current allowances are as follows:Service-Connected Death: If the veteran passed away due to a service-connected condition, the maximum allowance is $2,000. If a national cemetery is used, your family may be reimbursed for some or all transportation costs. (Casket not covered)Non-Service-Connected Death: If the veteran passed away due to a non-service-connected condition, the maximum allowance is $893 for burial and $893 for the plot (if not using a national cemetery).

Headstone or Marker: If not using a national cemetery, an allowance of $231 is provided for a headstone or marker.

Determine Eligibility

You may be eligible if you are responsible for paying the funeral costs and will not be reimbursed by any other organization. Additionally, the veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge.

Determine What Benefits You Get

If you are eligible, you may receive:

- VA burial allowance for burial and funeral costs

- VA plot allowance for the gravesite (if not using a national cemetery)

- Transportation reimbursement

Prepare Documentation

Ensure your family has all the necessary paperwork to apply. They will need:

- A copy of your DD214

- Death certificate

- Any documents or receipts for incurred costs

- A statement of account from the funeral director or cemetery owner

Apply for Coverage

Your family must file a claim for a non-service connected burial allowance within two years after your passing. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial allowance.

Receive the Reimbursement

Funds will be distributed to your surviving family members depending on the claims processing time. There is no guarantee the funds will be provided promptly, so ensure your family is prepared.

Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI):

You have two choices: apply for VA Life now or keep your S-DVI coverage. If you apply for VALife, you will maintain your S-DVI coverage during the two-year waiting period. Your S-DVI coverage (including policies with premium waivers) will end after this waiting period. During these two years, you must pay premiums for both policies. Note that VALife does not offer premium waivers, so if you currently have a waiver, you might want to consider other options.

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI):

You can also opt for a VALife policy either in addition to or instead of VGLI. VGLI is increasing term coverage, with premiums rising every five years (up to age 80, after which premiums remain fixed). Be sure to evaluate the future premium increases to determine if continuing your VGLI coverage is the best option for you.

The average monthly cost for a burial insurance policy ranges from $50 to $100 for around $10,000 in coverage. The final price depends on several factors, including your age, health, tobacco use, the type of policy, your state of residence, and the amount of coverage you purchase.