United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Burial of Unclaimed, Indigent Veterans

"…to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan…"

- Abraham Lincoln -

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What is the purpose of this site?

Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces deserve a proper burial. There is a risk that veterans whose remains are unclaimed, and not identified as veterans, will be buried in pauper graves. We ask for your assistance in helping VA eliminate that risk. The following information is intended to make you aware that there are burial benefits for eligible veterans, and that we are prepared to assist in any way possible.

Who is a "veteran"?

A veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

How can you verify veteran status of an unclaimed decedent?

Verification requests for veteran status of adult decedents should be made to VA regional offices, medical facilities, or VA national cemeteries. By calling the VA toll-free benefits number, 1-800-827-1000, you will reach a representative who can verify if a decedent was a veteran and if VA burial benefits are in order. Contact your nearest VA regional office representative.

Note: VA is not able to verify veteran status of unidentified remains. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should be contacted for assistance in this type of case.

What information is required for verification?

The information needed for verification is the decedent's name and VA claim number (if known). Otherwise, as much of the following information as possible will be useful: Social Security number, date of birth, branch of military service, service number, and service dates.

What happens if immediate verification cannot be made?

When the VA representative contacted is not able to fully verify veteran status from computer records, a process is activated to investigate further and follow up with the inquirer. If there is a claims file for the veteran, it will be reviewed. If necessary, assistance will be sought from the VA Records Management Center or the National Personnel Records Center where veterans' military records are stored. The turnaround time for VA verification generally ranges from immediate to three days. The result will be one of the following:

  • The decedent was a veteran, and eligible for VA burial monetary benefits.
  • The decedent was a veteran but ineligible for burial monetary benefits.
  • There are no records identifying military service by the decedent.

What is the purpose of VA burial benefits?

VA burial benefits help to offset the costs of the veteran's burial, funeral, and plot-interment.

How much does VA pay?

Service-Related Deaths. If a military service-related injury or disease caused the veteran's death, VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran's remains may be reimbursed.
Certain Non Service-Related Deaths.Generally, VA will pay a $300 burial and funeral allowance for Veterans who, at time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not receiving military retirement pay. For deaths occurring in a VA facility, a VA contracted nursing home or a State Veterans’ nursing home on or after October 1, 2011, VA will pay a $700 burial and funeral allowance. In addition, VA will pay a $700 plot allowance when a veteran who is eligible for burial in a national cemetery and who is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under U.S. government jurisdiction. The $700 plot allowance may be paid to the State for the cost of a plot or interment in a State-owned cemetery reserved solely for Veteran burials if the Veteran is buried without charge. Burial expenses paid by the deceased’s employer or a State agency will not be reimbursed. In cases in which the Veteran’s death was not service-connected, claims must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.

What are the eligibility criteria for non service-related death benefits?

  • The veteran was receiving VA compensation or pension at the time of death, OR
  • The veteran was entitled to receive VA compensation or but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR
  • The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home, OR
  • There is no next of kin or other person claiming the remains of the veteran, and there are not available sufficient resources to cover burial and funeral costs, and the veteran served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during any war or was discharged from the military because of a service-connected disability.

Who may be paid the VA burial and plot-interment allowances?

Generally, VA will pay the allowances to the person (or entity) who

  • paid for the veteran's burial or funeral, AND
  • has not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source such as the veteran's employer.

What is the application process?

Apply for VA burial allowances by completing VA Form 21-530 (Application for Burial Allowance). A death certificate (if not already furnished to VA) and copies of paid funeral and burial bills should be attached. The application should be submitted to the VA regional office serving the claimant's area.

What is the time limit to apply for burial allowances?

There is no time limit for claiming reimbursement of burial expenses for a service-related death. In non service-related deaths, the claim must be filed within 2 years of the veteran's burial.

Are there related VA benefits?

The following are additional VA benefits for eligible veterans:

  • Burial Flag - A United States flag is provided for veterans who served honorably. The purpose of the flag is to drape the veteran's casket. The flag should be presented to the veteran's next of kin immediately after the burial.
  • Burial at VA National Cemeteries - Any veteran with honorable service is eligible for burial at a VA national cemetery. The nearest cemetery should be contacted for arrangements. Veterans are also eligible for burial at state veterans cemeteries.
  • Headstone and Marker - A headstone or marker is provided for the burial of veterans who served honorably. The National Cemetery Administration arranges that for burial at its national cemeteries. On application, VA will also provide a headstone or marker for burials at other cemeteries.
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate. A certificate honoring the memory of veterans who served honorably is sent to the veteran's next of kin, and other loved ones on request. The certificate bears the President's signature.

Coroners & Medical Examiners

Generally, coroners and medical examiners are responsible for the disposition of unclaimed remains. In some jurisdictions, sheriffs and justices of the peace are responsible. It is important that they contact VA to verify the veteran status of all identified adult decedents who are unclaimed and indigent. Decedents verified as veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery or state veterans cemetery, and other burial benefits may apply.

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