64.101: Burial Expenses Allowance for Veterans
Overview
Program Number
64.101
Status
Inactive
Last Modified
Sept. 7, 2020
Date Posted
Sept. 7, 2020
Objective
To provide a monetary allowance not to exceed $796, or that amount authorized under 38 U.S.C. 2303 whichever is greater, toward the plot or interment expense for certain Veterans not buried in a national cemetery. Up to $300 as a burial allowance is payable toward the burial expense of certain Veterans. Payable rates are higher if the Veteran was hospitalized by VA at time of death. If death is the result of a service-connected disability, payments can be made to reimburse burial and funeral expenses not to exceed $2,000 or that amount authorized under 5 U.S.C. 8134(a) whichever is greater. In addition to the statutory burial allowance, the cost of transporting the Veterans' remains from place of death to site of burial is paid by VA if death occurs in a VA facility. The cost of transporting the remains from place of death to the national cemetery in which space is available nearest the Veteran's last place of residence may also be paid if death was due to service-connected disability, or at the time of death the Veteran was in receipt of or was entitled to receive disability compensation but for the receipt of military retired pay or non-service-connected disability pension and burial is in a national cemetery. A headstone or marker may be authorized. Also, an American flag to drape the casket of a Veteran may be provided.
Type of Assistance
D - Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible surviving spouses of record or added to the record at the time the death is reported are paid applicable burial and plot allowances automatically upon notification of a Veteran’s death, without the need to submit a claim. VA may grant additional benefits, including the internment and transportation allowance, if VA receives a claim for these benefits.
If the burial benefit has not been automatically paid to the surviving spouse, VA will pay the first living person to file a claim of those listed below:
• The Veteran’s surviving spouse, OR
• The survivor of a legal union between the deceased Veteran and the survivor, OR
• The Veteran’s children, regardless of age, OR
• The Veteran’s parents or surviving parent, OR
• The executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased Veteran. If no one has been appointed, then VA may pay someone acting in such a capacity for the estate.
The next of kin, friend or associate of the deceased Veteran is eligible for the flag.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The Veteran’s surviving spouse, the survivor of a legal union between the deceased Veteran and the survivor, the Veteran’s children, regardless of age, the Veteran’s parents or surviving parent, or the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased Veteran who paid the Veteran’s burial expenses. If no one has been appointed as executor or administrator of the estate, then VA may pay someone acting in such a capacity for the estate. A funeral director may be eligible if the Veteran’s remains are unclaimed.
Related Programs
Additional Information
Grant Awards
Burial Expenses Allowance for Veterans direct grants
Grant Opportunities