Burial Benefits for Military Veterans

Burial in a private cemetery

Burial benefits are provided by the DVA for those veterans receiving monetary benefits from the VA at the time of the veteran’s death. The amount of the benefit depends on the type of benefits being received. Contact the Veterans Service Office for current information. In addition to burial benefits of plot allowance and opening and closing, the VA will provide a burial flag and marker for an unmarked grave for all honorably discharged veterans.

Burial in a National Cemetery

The VA will provide burial in a National Cemetery to an honorably discharged veteran and his spouse. There is no charge for the plot, opening or closing of the grave, or the marker. Arrangements CAN NOT be made in advance for burial in a National Cemetery. At the time of need, the funeral director should contact the National Cemetery Director's office to arrange for services. The funeral director may also make arrangements for an appropriate Honor Guard for the veteran.

DFW National Cemetery

On May 13, 2000, the Department of Veteran Affairs dedicated the new DFW National Cemetery. The cemetery, located on the shores of Mountain Creek Lake in southwest Dallas, began interments on May 15^th. To visit the facility, travel east on I-20 to Spur 408. Follow Spur 408 to Mountain Creek Parkway and follow the signs to the main entrance. For additional information about the cemetery, visit the DFW National Cemetery website.

Burial Allowance Updates

On Oct 1, 2011 new allowance:


Non-service connected burial allowance is $700.00 and plot allowance is $700.00

What Are VA Burial Allowances?

VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot or interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:


you paid for a veteran's burial or funeral, AND
you have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer, and

the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:


the veteran died because of a service-related disability, or
the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, Or
the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, or
the veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, OR
the veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, OR
the veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date or death, OR
the veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.

Additional Information and Q & A

See more information on burial benefits and eligibility, how to apply and how to make the necessary arrangements.