Honoring Service, Securing Benefits

The Veterans End-of-Life Benefits Hub

Veterans and their families deserve dignity and support during life’s final chapter. This hub offers resources, guidance, and tools to help navigate end-of-life benefits, from burial assistance to survivor support, ensuring those who served are honored and cared for.

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Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Veterans and their families may be eligible for a range of end-of-life benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including burial honors, financial assistance, and support services that recognize their service and sacrifice.

  • Burial in a VA national cemetery is free for eligible veterans: This includes a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government-issued headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Spouses and certain dependents may also qualify.
  • Veterans can receive military funeral honors: This typically includes a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of Taps, and uniformed military personnel. Most funeral homes can help coordinate this through the VA or Department of Defense.
  • A U.S. flag is provided at no cost: The VA supplies an American flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn. Families can request it through their funeral provider or local VA office.
  • VA burial allowances may help cover funeral expenses: Reimbursement may be available for burial, funeral, and transportation costs—especially for service-connected deaths or when the veteran was receiving VA care.
  • Pre-need eligibility can be established in advance: Veterans can apply before death to confirm eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery, helping ease decision-making for families later on.
  • VA benefits do not automatically cover private cemetery costs: If a veteran chooses to be buried in a private cemetery, the VA may offer limited financial reimbursement but not full coverage.
  • Headstones or markers can be requested for any burial site: Veterans buried in private cemeteries may still be eligible for a government-issued headstone, marker, or medallion at no cost.
  • Survivor benefits may be available for spouses and dependents: These can include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor’s Pension, or access to certain health care and educational benefits.
  • Veterans may be eligible for hospice and palliative care through the VA: Care can be provided at home, in a VA facility, or through community providers that partner with the VA.
  • Proper documentation is essential: To access benefits, families often need the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), proof of death, and other supporting documents.

Resources

You shouldn’t have to navigate veterans' end-of-life benefits on your own. Fortunately, we have resources to help simplify the process.

Estate Planning and Post-Death Guide for Federal Employees

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Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans End-of-Life Benefits

Veterans may qualify for a range of end-of-life benefits, including burial allowances, VA-provided headstones or markers, military funeral honors, and interment in national cemeteries. Some benefits also extend to spouses and dependents.

The VA burial allowance is a financial benefit to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs for eligible veterans. The amount depends on factors like the cause of death and whether the burial is in a VA national cemetery.

Eligibility includes veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, service members who die on active duty, and certain spouses and dependents. Specific criteria apply, so verification through the VA is recommended.

Yes, eligible veterans can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of Taps. This service is provided at no cost by the Department of Defense.

Typically required documents include the veteran’s discharge papers (DD214 form), death certificate, and itemized funeral expenses. Additional documents may be requested for specific benefits.

Yes, the VA provides free headstones or markers for eligible veterans, even if buried in a private cemetery. Family members can apply through the VA with proof of eligibility.

Yes, cremated remains are eligible for interment in national cemeteries, and the VA provides the same benefits as for casketed remains, including headstones and markers.

The VA offers burial and plot allowances to help families offset funeral and burial costs. In some cases, transportation costs for burial in a national cemetery may also be reimbursed.

Yes, veterans and eligible family members can apply for pre-need eligibility determination through the VA, which simplifies the process at the time of need.

Surviving spouses may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery alongside the veteran, as well as certain financial benefits like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

If a veteran dies in a VA hospital or under VA care, the VA may cover certain transportation and burial costs.

Contact the funeral home, which can coordinate with the VA or military services. Families can also directly request honors through local veteran organizations or the Department of Defense.

Many states offer additional benefits, such as free burial in state veterans' cemeteries, financial aid, or other funeral services. Check with your state veterans' affairs office for more details.

Yes, the VA and other organizations provide planning tools, including pre-need eligibility applications, informational guides, and support from veteran service officers (VSOs).

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as the American Legion or VFW, provide free assistance with applications and navigating VA benefits. You can also contact the VA directly for support.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.