The VA has certain benefits that are available to deceased veterans

Burial Allowance

If a veteran’s death is service connected, the VA will pay a burial allowance of $2,000 for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. For deaths prior to that date, the allowance was $1,500. 

If a veteran’s death is not service connected and he/she was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, the VA may pay funeral and burial expense payments. This payment is $300-$700 for funeral expenses and $300-700 for burial expenses. Effective October 1, 2011, the VA will pay $700 for funeral expenses if a veteran was properly hospitalized at a VA facility or in a VA-authorized facility. If not, the benefit pays $300.  Effective October 1, 2011, the VA will pay $700 for burial expenses. Prior to that date, the allowance was $300. An annual increase in burial expenses for deaths occurring after October 1, 2011, began in fiscal year 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period. Effective October 1, 2019, that amount is $796 (vice $700). This benefit is paid if:

Payment may be made to the creditor who provided services or furnished merchandise in connection with burial, funeral, transportation, plot or interment; or the person or persons whose personal funds were used to pay such expenses; or the representative of the estate of the deceased veteran when estate funds were used to pay the expenses.

Ceremonial Flag

The VA shall furnish one United States flag at no cost to the family of a veteran who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces or for reservists or National Guard members who:

• Completed at least one enlistment or, in the case of an officer, completed the period of initial obligated service, or
• Was discharged before completion of the initial enlistment for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or
• Who died while an active member.

Grave Markers

Eligible veterans are veterans who:

• Served honorably in the U.S. armed forces. After September 7, 1980, the veteran must have served for a minimum of 24 months or the full period for which the veteran was called to active duty unless special circumstances make them otherwise eligible such as the veteran died on active duty, or
• Reservists or National Guard members who, at the time of death, were entitled to retired pay or would have been entitled but for being under the age of 60, or
• Reservists or National Guard members who died while on active duty or as a result of training. Members who only have active duty service for training are not eligible.

*Veterans must be buried in cemeteries. Burial on private land renders a veteran’s grave ineligible for a VA grave marker. Spouses and dependents are only eligible for VA grave markers if buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

 Flat Bronze Marker - 24 x 12, 3-4 inch rise 

 Bronze Niche Marker - 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, 7/16 inch rise

 Flat Marble and Granite Marker - 24 x 12, 4 inch rise

 Upright Marble and Granite Marker - 42 x 13, 4 inch rise

Grave Marker – Medallion

The VA also offers a medallion that can be placed on a private marker in lieu of a VA grave marker. The medallion comes in 1 1/2″, 3″, and 5″, and they are not personalized like the grave marker.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

The VA will provide, at no expense, certificates which honor the veteran’s memory. These certificates are stamped with the current president’s signature and can be requested for as many family members as desired.

*Please contact our office to assist you with these benefits