How to get VA burial benefits for a deceased veteran
Step-by-step guide for surviving spouses/family to claim VA burial benefits: burial allowance, plot/interment allowance, headstone or marker, presidential memorial certificate, burial flag, and (if eligible) interment in a National Cemetery. 5 steps using VA Form 21P-530EZ.
What you'll need
- VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits)
- VA Form 40-1330 (Headstone/Marker Application)
- Veteran's death certificate
- Veteran's DD-214 (proof of qualifying service)
- Itemized funeral home bill (for burial allowance)
- Family member's photo ID + relationship documentation
Step-by-step
Step 1: Get the burial flag (free, ASAP)
A burial flag (American flag) is provided free for any veteran who served honorably (any era). Pick up at a National Cemetery, VA regional office, or U.S. Post Office that issues VA forms. The funeral home often handles this for you. No paperwork needed beyond DD-214.
Step 2: Apply for burial allowance (within 2 years of death)
File VA Form 21P-530EZ within 2 years of veteran's death. Service-connected death: $2,000 burial allowance. Non-service-connected death (in VA hospital or VA-paid nursing home): $948 burial allowance + $948 plot/interment allowance. Non-service-connected death (other circumstances, low-income): $300 burial allowance. Reimburses funeral expenses to whoever paid (spouse, children, estate).
Reference: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/
Step 3: Request a headstone or grave marker
File VA Form 40-1330. VA provides a free headstone, grave marker, or niche marker for any eligible veteran. Available in granite, marble, or bronze. Includes name, service dates, branch, military awards. Delivery 6-8 weeks. Free shipping to cemetery; cemetery installation fee varies.
Step 4: Request a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC)
A free engraved certificate signed by the current President honoring the veteran's service. Request via the same VA Form 40-1330 process or directly at va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/presidential-memorial-certificate/. Useful keepsake for the family.
Step 5: Consider interment in a VA National Cemetery
Most veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for FREE burial in a VA National Cemetery (149 cemeteries nationwide). Includes: grave site, opening/closing, vault, headstone, perpetual care. Reservation NOT possible — apply at time of need. Family contacts the National Cemetery directly via va.gov/find-locations/ or 800-535-1117.
Reference: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
Critical tips
- Survivors of veterans rated 100% service-connected for 10+ years before death may also qualify for DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) — file VA Form 21P-534EZ. See /api/v1/eligibility.json for details.
- Cremation is permitted at all VA National Cemeteries. Family can scatter or retain the urn.
- If a veteran was buried in a non-VA cemetery, VA still pays the burial + plot allowance (subject to the "death-in-VA-hospital" rule).
- Funeral home directors typically file these forms for the family at no charge — ask before paying anyone for "form filing services".