VA Cremation Benefits: How Your Family Can Get Help

• Author: Russell Sawayn
• Posted: 2025-12-09

Families arranging cremation for a veteran can get financial assistance from the VA, covering funeral, burial, and transportation costs.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Spouses or legally recognized partners

• Children or parents

• Estate executors or close relatives

• Friends overseeing arrangements

• Funeral home or cemetery representatives

The veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge, and the applicant must have paid for the cremation or funeral without reimbursement from another source.

When Benefits Apply

VA cremation benefits are available if the veteran:

• Died from a service-related condition

• Passed while receiving VA care

• Died during authorized VA travel for exams or treatment

• Had pending VA claims, was receiving a pension, or military retirement pay

What Benefits Cover

The VA provides assistance for:

• Burial or funeral costs

• Plot or interment costs

• Transportation of remains

Benefits apply to cremation, burial at sea, or donation for medical education.

 

How Payments Work

Amounts depend on the veteran’s service period and circumstances:

1. After October 1, 2024

• Burial allowance: up to $978

• Plot/interment allowance: up to $978

2. October 1, 2013 – October 1, 2014

• Burial allowance: $300

• Plot/interment allowance: $734

3. Served after September 11, 2001

• Burial allowance: $2,000

• Plot/interment allowance: not applicable

4. Served before September 11, 2001

• Burial allowance: up to $5,000

• Plot/interment allowance: not applicable

Transportation costs may also be reimbursed, especially to VA national cemeteries.

Surviving spouses listed in VA records often receive automatic payments, simplifying the process.

How to Apply

Submit:

• Death certificate

• Receipts for funeral or transportation

• DD214 or other service documents (optional for service-connected deaths)

Following VA rules ensures your family gets maximum assistance, helping cover costs and focus on honoring the veteran’s life.

-

Discover more helpful tips and insights at GetSeniorBenefits.net—where we empower you with the knowledge to live your best life every day.