Veteran's Benefits

How much does the VA pay for non-service-related death?
VA will pay up to $300.00 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a plot interment allowance of $300.00. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the deceased's remains may be reimbursed.
What is a VA Burial Allowance?
A VA Burial Allowance is a partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: a burial and funeral expense allowance, and a plot interment allowance.
How much does the VA pay for service-related death?
VA will pay up to $2,000.00 towards burial expenses for deaths. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
Who is eligible for a VA Burial Allowance?
If you have 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 if the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, you may be eligible for a VABurial Allowance. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: 1) The veteran died because of a service-related disability, 2) the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, 3) the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement of disability pay, 4) the veteran died in a VA hospital, 5) the veteran died while in a nursing home under VA contract.
What is Military Funeral Honors?
Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Today, there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one.
How much does a Military Funeral Honors detail cost?
Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.
How does a family request funeral honors?
Families of eligible veterans request funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral director will contact the appropriate Military Service to arrange for the funeral honors detail.
What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?
The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, include:
- Flag folding
- Flag presentation
- Playing of Taps
The veteran's parent Service representative will present the flag.
Who is eligible for a burial flag?
The Veterans Administration establishes eligibility. Your funeral director will assist you in obtaining a flag. More information is available at: www.cem.va.gov/bflags.htm.
What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate? Who is eligible to receive this certificate? How does the family obtain this certificate?
This is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran's service in the Armed Forces. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President. Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request the certificates in person at any VA regional office or by mail. For information about requesting a Presidential Memorial Certificate and additional information please visit www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm
How do I request a grave headstone or marker?
Your funeral director will assist you or if you have questions about grave markers. Family members can write to the VA at:

Memorial Programs Service (41A1)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903

More information available at: http://www.cem.va.gov/hm.htm
How much notice should be provided for the honors request?
The Services requests at least 48 hours in order to organize the funeral honors detail.
To whom can I write to express comments or concerns about the Military Funeral Honors program?
You may write to:
Military Funeral Honors
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 260
San Antonio TX 78216-4138
Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
- Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Clarification on eligibility is available at www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/law.html.
Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Any person separated from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions or whose character of service results in a bar to veteran's benefits.
- Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service.
- Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
- Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
How do I establish veteran eligibility?
The preferred method is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. The DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:

National Personnel Records Center(NPRC)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132

The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from the National Records Center or via the Internet at: www.nara.gov/publications/forms/sf180a.pdf
Is anyone else eligible to receive funeral honors?
Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as members of a Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive funeral honors.
How does a family request funeral honors for NOAA or PHS decedents?
The families of PHS and NOAA decedents request funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral director will contact the applicable points of contact at PHS or NOAA to arrange for the funeral honors detail.