How to Apply for VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

For veterans and their families, planning for the future includes ensuring that their service and sacrifices are honored with dignity and respect. VA burial and memorial benefits offer a variety of services to ensure veterans receive the recognition they deserve at the time of their passing. These benefits can provide significant support to families, covering everything from burial in a VA national cemetery to memorial markers, burial flags, and assistance with funeral costs.

In this guide, we will explore the eligibility criteria, covered services, and the application process for VA burial and memorial benefits. Additionally, we’ll discuss how organizations like Warrior Allegiance can assist veterans and their families in navigating these benefits.

1. What Are VA Burial and Memorial Benefits?

VA burial and memorial benefits are a set of services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to honor deceased veterans and offer support to their families. These benefits include the option for burial in a VA national cemetery, headstones or markers, burial flags, and financial assistance for funeral expenses under certain conditions.

Key Services Covered by VA Burial and Memorial Benefits:

• Burial in a VA national cemetery: Eligible veterans and their spouses can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. This includes the opening and closing of the grave, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and perpetual care.
• Burial flags: The VA provides an American flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. After the service, the flag can be presented to the next of kin as a keepsake.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC): The VA offers engraved certificates signed by the President of the United States to honor the memory of eligible veterans.
• Headstones, markers, and medallions: Veterans can receive a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion for placement in any cemetery (not limited to VA cemeteries), regardless of whether the burial was private.
• Burial allowances: The VA provides financial assistance to cover burial and funeral costs, as well as transportation expenses in some cases, for veterans who meet specific criteria.

2. Eligibility for VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

Before applying for VA burial and memorial benefits, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. Veterans, service members, and in some cases, their family members, may qualify for these benefits.

Who is Eligible for VA Burial and Memorial Benefits?

• Veterans: Any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits.
• Active-duty service members: Service members who die while on active duty are also eligible for these benefits.
• Reservists and National Guard members: Members of the Reserves or National Guard who were entitled to retirement pay are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and may qualify for other memorial benefits.
• Spouses and dependent children: Spouses and eligible dependent children of veterans are typically eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, even if the veteran is not buried there.

3. Planning Options for Veterans and Their Families

Planning ahead for burial and memorial services ensures that veterans and their families have peace of mind and that their wishes are carried out in the way they desire. The VA offers several resources to help families plan in advance.

Pre-Need Eligibility Determination

The VA allows veterans and their families to apply for a pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery. This process helps veterans know in advance if they are eligible for burial benefits, simplifying the planning process and reducing stress for their families when the time comes.

• How to Apply for Pre-Need Eligibility:
  • Complete VA Form 40-10007, “Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery.”
  • Submit the form along with any supporting documentation (such as discharge papers) to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office by mail or fax.
  • Once approved, the veteran will receive a letter confirming their eligibility, which can be provided to their family at the time of death.

Planning a Burial in a VA National Cemetery

Once eligibility is determined, veterans and their families can begin planning the burial or memorial service. The VA covers several costs associated with burial in a national cemetery, including:

• The grave or niche for cremated remains.
• Opening and closing of the grave.
• Perpetual care.
• A government-furnished headstone or marker.

Families are encouraged to contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at the time of death to schedule the burial and ensure that all arrangements are made according to the veteran’s wishes.

• Action Step: Veterans can apply for pre-need eligibility to secure their place in a VA national cemetery, making the planning process smoother for their loved ones.

4. How to Apply for VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

If you are a veteran or the family member of a deceased veteran, the application process for VA burial and memorial benefits typically begins at the time of death. The steps vary depending on the specific benefit being requested.

Applying for Burial in a VA National Cemetery

To apply for burial in a VA national cemetery, the family of the deceased veteran should follow these steps:

1. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to make burial arrangements. The scheduling office will confirm eligibility based on the veteran’s military service records.
2. Provide necessary documentation: The family will need to provide a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other discharge documentation to verify eligibility.
3. Select a burial site: Once eligibility is confirmed, the family can choose an available plot or niche in a VA national cemetery.

Applying for a Burial Flag, Headstone, or Marker

To apply for a burial flag, headstone, or marker, veterans or their families should:

• For a burial flag: Complete VA Form 27-2008, “Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes,” and submit it to any VA regional office, funeral home, or U.S. Post Office. The flag is typically requested at the time of burial.
• For a headstone or marker: Complete VA Form 40-1330, “Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker,” and submit it online, by mail, or by fax to the Memorial Products Service (MPS).

Applying for Burial Allowances

The VA offers burial allowances to help cover the cost of funeral services, burial, and transportation. Veterans may be eligible if:

• The veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability.
• The veteran was receiving VA pension or disability compensation at the time of death.
• The veteran died while hospitalized by the VA.

To apply for burial allowances:

1. Complete VA Form 21P-530, “Application for Burial Benefits.”
2. Submit the form, along with the veteran’s discharge documents and proof of funeral expenses, to the VA Pension Management Center (PMC).

5. How Warrior Allegiance Supports Veterans and Families

Warrior Allegiance is committed to helping veterans and their families navigate the VA’s burial and memorial benefits. The organization provides resources, guidance, and support to ensure that veterans’ final wishes are honored with the respect they deserve.

Educational Resources

Warrior Allegiance offers educational materials that explain the various VA burial and memorial benefits, including how to apply for pre-need eligibility, request burial flags, and access burial allowances.

Assistance with Applications

For families needing help with the application process, Warrior Allegiance provides support in completing forms, submitting documentation, and following up with the VA. This ensures that veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to without unnecessary delays or complications.

Memorial Support

Warrior Allegiance also offers emotional and logistical support to veterans’ families during their time of loss, helping them navigate the planning process and make informed decisions about their loved one’s burial and memorial service.

• Action Step: Visit Warrior Allegiance’s website to learn more about how they can support veterans and families in accessing VA burial and memorial benefits.

Conclusion

VA burial and memorial benefits provide veterans and their families with the dignity and honor they deserve at the time of death. From burial in a VA national cemetery to headstones, burial flags, and financial assistance, these benefits help ensure that veterans’ legacies are remembered.

By planning ahead and understanding the application process, veterans and their families can take advantage of these valuable benefits. With the support of organizations like Warrior Allegiance, veterans and their loved ones can navigate the complexities of VA burial and memorial benefits and make informed decisions that honor their service and sacrifice.