What Are VA Burial Allowances?
VA burial allowances are flat rate monetary benefits that are generally paid at the maximum amount authorized by law for an eligible Veteran’s burial and funeral costs. A VA regulation change in 2014 simplified the program to pay eligible survivors quickly and efficiently. Eligible surviving spouses of record are paid automatically upon notification of the Veteran’s death, without the need to submit a claim. VA may grant additional benefits, including the plot or interment allowance and transportation allowance, if it receives a claim for these benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
If the burial benefit has not been automatically paid to the surviving spouse, VA will pay the first living person to file a claim of those listed below:
- Veteran’s surviving spouse; OR
- The survivor of a legal union* between the deceased Veteran and the survivor; OR
- The Veteran’s children, regardless of age; OR
- The Veteran’s parents or surviving parent; OR
- The executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased Veteran.
*Legal union means a formal relationship between the decedent and the survivor that existed on the date of the Veteran’s death, which was recognized under the law of the State in which the couple formalized the relationship and evidenced by the State’s issuance of documentation memorializing the relationship.
The Veteran must also have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
- the Veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability, OR
- the Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR
- the Veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided instead to receive his or her full military retirement or disability pay, OR
- the Veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, OR
- the Veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment or care, OR
- the Veteran had an original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension pending at the time of death and would have been entitled to benefits from a date prior to the date of death, OR
- the Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA–approved state nursing home
How Much Does VA Pay?
Service-Connected Death (Death is linked to VA Disability Rating or Service-Related Conditions)
- If the Veteran died on or after September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $2,000.
- If the Veteran died before September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $1,500.
- If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, VA may reimburse some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased Veteran’s remains.
Non-Service-Connected Death (Must be receiving Compensation or Pension, or pass while “properly hospitalized” through, but not necessarily at a VA Medical Center.
- If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2018, VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and up to $780 for a plot.
Veterans Cemeteries
Fort Snelling National Cemetery (Minneapolis, MN)
The cemetery was established in 1870 to serve as a burial ground for the soldiers who died while stationed at the post. Following World War I, as new legislation expanded the eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery, the citizens of
St. Paul organized a petition to designate a national cemetery in their area. In 1937, Congress responded with legislation that authorized a portion of land at Fort Snelling Military Reservation for this purpose. Fort Snelling National Cemetery was established in 1939 with the first burial on July 5, of Capt. George H. Mallon, whose acts of heroism at Meuse-Argonne in France were recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is one of seven properties developed during the period between World War I and World War II to serve large Veteran populations in cities across the country. In May 1960, Fort Snelling Air Force Station transferred 146 acres of land to the national cemetery. One more land transfer of 177 acres followed in 1961, bringing the cemetery to its present size. Because of the frigid winters, about 1,000 graves are dug each fall to be used for winter interments. Fort Snelling National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
Eligibility
Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. A Veteran's spouse, widow or widower, minor dependent children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial. For more information visit our eligibility web page.
Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries
(Duluth, Little Falls, Preston)
Burial is open to all Veterans discharged from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouses, minor children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children are also eligible for burial. Eligible spouses may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran. Also eligible for burial are members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, the Army and National Guard, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps who die while on active duty for training or performing service, or who have 20 years of service in reserve components of the Armed Forces creditable for retired pay.