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How to apply for a Veterans burial allowance

Find out how to get Veterans burial allowances (sometimes called “Veterans death benefits”) to help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs.

What if I have more questions?

Call us at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Or call your VA regional office.

Burial allowance amounts

Status Maximum burial allowance If the Veteran died on or after September 11, 2001 $2,000 If the Veteran died before September 11, 2001 $1,500 If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery We may pay you back for some or all of the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains
Status Maximum burial allowance If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2023 We’ll pay a $948 burial allowance and $948 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after January 5, 2023, but before October 1, 2023 We’ll pay a $893 burial allowance and $893 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2022, but before January 5, 2023 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $893 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2021, but before October 1, 2022 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $828 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2020, but before October 1, 2021 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $807 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019, but before October 1, 2020 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $796 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $780 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $762 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $749 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $747 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $745 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 We’ll pay a $300 burial allowance and $734 for a plot

Note: If a Veteran’s remains aren’t claimed, we’ll pay the person or organization responsible for the Veteran’s burial a burial allowance based on the rates in this table. If the deceased qualifies, we may pay you back for the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains to a VA national cemetery.

Status Maximum burial allowance If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2023 We’ll pay a $948 burial allowance and $948 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2022, but before October 1, 2023 We’ll pay a $893 burial allowance and $893 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2021, but before October 1, 2022 We’ll pay a $828 burial allowance and $828 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2020, but before October 1, 2021 We’ll pay a $807 burial allowance and $807 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019, but before October 1, 2020 We’ll pay a $796 burial allowance and $796 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 We’ll pay a $780 burial allowance and $780 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 We’ll pay a $762 burial allowance and $762 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 We’ll pay a $749 burial allowance and $749 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 We’ll pay a $747 burial allowance and $747 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 We’ll pay a $745 burial allowance and $745 for a plot If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 We’ll pay a $734 burial allowance and $734 for a plot

We may also pay you back for some or all of the costs of moving the Veteran’s remains if one of these descriptions is true:

  • The Veteran was hospitalized or in a VA-contracted nursing home at the time of death, or
  • The Veteran died while traveling to VA-authorized care

Headstone or marker allowance amounts

Status Maximum headstone or marker allowance If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2021 $231 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2020, but before October 1, 2021 $231 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019, but before October 1, 2020 $236 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, but before October 1, 2019 $290 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2017, but before October 1, 2018 $195 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2016, but before October 1, 2017 $208 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, but before October 1, 2016 $218 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015 $199 If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014 $205

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