Veterans
What a veteran's family has already earned
Most families pay for things the government already covers, because nobody told them. Here is the full list, what it is worth, and how to claim it.
Burial in a VA national cemetery
No cost
No cost for the grave, opening and closing, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care. An eligible spouse and dependent children may be buried in the same grave.
Military funeral honors
No cost
At least two uniformed service members, the folding and presentation of the flag, and the playing of Taps. The funeral home requests this on your behalf.
Burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate
No cost
A United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn, and a certificate signed by the President honoring the veteran's service.
Headstone, marker or medallion
No cost
A government headstone anywhere in the world, or a bronze medallion to affix to a privately purchased headstone.
VA burial allowance
Up to about $2,000 service-connected · about $978 otherwise
A payment toward burial and funeral costs. Higher amounts apply when the death was service-connected or occurred in a VA facility.
Plot or interment allowance
About $978
A contribution toward a plot in a private cemetery when a national cemetery is not used.
What to have ready
- ·DD-214 or other discharge paperwork showing character of service
- ·Death certificate
- ·Marriage certificate, if a spouse is claiming
- ·Itemized funeral bill and proof of who paid it
- ·VA claim number, if one exists
No DD-214? Request a copy from the National Archives — a funeral director can usually get one within a day for an imminent burial.
Providers who do this every week
Filter your search to partners with veteran-service experience — they file the honors request, the allowance claim and the headstone order for you, at no extra charge.
Amounts shown are current published figures and are adjusted periodically. PayRespect is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.