VA Burial Benefits: What Your Family Really Gets
Many veterans think the VA pays for the whole funeral. It usually doesn't. Here is what the VA gives, and what your family may still have to pay.
Planning for a funeral is hard to think about. But knowing the facts now can save your family stress later.
What the VA gives for free
Eligible veterans can be buried in a national cemetery for free. This includes the grave, opening and closing it, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag. Families can also ask for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
The burial payment
The VA may also pay some money toward funeral costs. If the death is not service-connected, it is about $1,000. If the death is service-connected, it can be up to $2,000. There may be extra money for a plot or for transportation in some cases.
What a funeral costs
Many funerals with a viewing and burial cost $8,000 or more. That doesn't include things like flowers, a meal, or travel for family. The VA payment covers only a small part.
Who pays the rest?
Usually, the family does. Many families pay out of savings, use credit cards, or ask friends for help. That is the gap a small final expense plan is made to fill.
Be careful of scams
Some ads say the VA will pay $10,000 or more for burial. That is not true. If you see an ad like that, be careful. Check VA.gov or call the VA yourself.
Amounts change each year, so check VA.gov for today's numbers. If you'd like to know what a small plan would cost to cover the rest, give me a call. It's free.
Have a question about your own plan? Let's talk. It's free.
For information only. Not a contract or offer of insurance. Coverage is subject to underwriting and state availability. Plans and prices vary by state and company.