Understanding Veteran Burial Benefits and Final Expenses

Veterans may receive some burial and final expense benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but these benefits do not cover all final expenses. Here’s what the VA provides:

1. VA Burial Benefits

• Burial in a National Cemetery (free of charge, including grave, marker, and maintenance)

• Grave Marker or Headstone (provided for free even if buried in a private cemetery)

• Presidential Memorial Certificate (for honor recognition)

• Military Funeral Honors (flag presentation and Taps)

2. VA Burial Allowances

The VA may provide partial reimbursement for funeral and burial costs:

• Service-Connected Death: Up to $2,000 reimbursement

• Non-Service-Connected Death: Up to $948 for burial expenses (as of 2024)

• Unclaimed Veteran Remains: Full burial benefits in a national cemetery

3. What’s NOT Covered?

• Full funeral costs

• Embalming, casket, or transportation (except in some cases)

• Family travel expenses

• Burial plot in a private cemetery

Since VA benefits do not cover all costs, families may still have to pay out of pocket for funeral services, caskets, or cremation. Many veterans choose final expense insurance to cover these additional costs and avoid burdening their families.

For civilians - our government through social security that we all pay into pays a whopping one-time, lump-sum death benefit of $255 to assist with funeral costs.

Here is information on which states help with low-cost funeral expenses. https://www.funeralocity.com/blog/the-complete-a-to-z-guide-to-getting-state-government-assistance-for-a-funeral/