Burial
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
A burial allowance may be paid to help offset expenses of the Veteran’s funeral and burial. The allowance is payable for
Veterans who:
- died of a service-connected disability, or
- were in receipt of compensation of pension, or retired pay in lieu thereof, or
- died in a VA facility
Plot Allowance
If not buried in a national cemetery, a plot allowance may be payable for Veterans who:
- were discharged for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or
- were in receipt of compensation or pension, or retired pay in lieu thereof, or
- died in a VA facility
National Cemetery
Most Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial in one of VA’s National Cemeteries at no cost to the family. Many states have Veterans cemeteries, built with VA grants, with similar benefits.
Headstone or Marker
VA provides a headstone or marker for Veterans buried in any cemetery worldwide.
Flag
An American flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible Veteran. The flag is presented to the Veteran’s next of kin upon burial.
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Family and other loved ones may request these personalized certificates.
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Service-member’s death during military service, or by the death of a Veteran as a result of a service-connected disability. VA also pays these benefits to the survivors of a Veteran whose death is not service-connected, but who was rated by VA as being totally disabled due to a service-connected disability for a specified period of time immediately preceding death.
In addition to the DIC program for surviving spouses and dependent children, surviving dependent parents of Service-members or Veterans, whose deaths were service-connected, may be eligible for Parents’ DIC if they meet the income requirements.
Who is eligible?
The surviving spouse if he or she:
- validly married the veteran before January 1, 1957, OR
- was married to a service member who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR
- married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the veteran’s death began or was aggravated, OR
- was married to the veteran for at least one year, OR
- had a child with the veteran, AND cohabited with the veteran continuously until the veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation, AND is not currently remarried.*
Note: A surviving spouse who remarries on or after December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.
The surviving child(ren), if he/she is: not included on the surviving spouse’s DIC unmarried AND under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.
Note: Certain helpless adult children are entitled to DIC. Call the toll-free number below for the eligibility requirements. The surviving parent(s) may be eligible for an income-based benefit. See our fact sheet, Parents’ DIC.
Survivors Pension Benefits (formerly Death Pension)
See: VA Pensions for Veterans and Survivors
Education and Training
Education and training benefits are available to unmarried surviving spouses and dependent children of:
- service-members who die during active military service, or
- Veterans who die of a service-connected disability, or
- Veterans who were rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability at the time of death.
There are time limits for use of this benefit. A surviving spouse has 10 years from the date that eligibility is established, but 20 years if the Veteran died while on active duty. Children are eligible from age 18 to 26. Educational and vocational counseling, and employment as a work-study student, are also available.
Home Loan Guaranty
The unmarried surviving spouse of a Veteran whose death was service-connected is generally eligible for this program. VA guarantees loans to purchase a home, including a condominium or manufactured home, or to refinance an existing home loan.
*See note about restoration of entitlement
Health Care
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides coverage for unmarried surviving spouses and children of Veterans who:
- died of a service-connected disability, or
- were permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability at the time of death, or
- died in service in the line of duty, and the dependents are not eligible for Department of Defense TRICARE benefits.
Life Insurance Proceeds
The Veteran may have had an active life insurance policy with VA. Such policies include:
- United States Government Life Insurance
- National Service Life Insurance
- Veterans Special Life Insurance
- Veterans Reopened Insurance
- Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance
- Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance
- Service-members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)*
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)*
Education Program Refund
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
If the Veteran died while on active duty, or within one year of separation or discharge due to a service-connected disability, the beneficiary of the Veteran’s SGLI or VGLI policy is eligible for a refund of the Veteran’s MGIB military pay reductions which were not paid to the Veteran in benefits. Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) – A Veteran’s designated survivor is eligible to be refunded the Veteran’s VEAP contributions that were not paid to the Veteran in benefits.
How to Apply?
Contact our office at (330) 722-9368 and work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer