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Veterans Death Benefits

Please note that while the Veterans Administration does not provide any payment for funeral services, there are several benefits and recognition markers that veterans may be eligible to receive. Below you will find a list of all such standard benefit offerings. In some cases, you will need to apply to qualify; all necessary application forms may be found here.

VA Cash Benefits For Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

$828 is available for an honorably-discharged veteran, if hospitalized by the VA at the time of death. Otherwise, a $300 reimbursement is available.

Active Duty or Service Connected Death

$2,000 is available IF: the veteran died during active duty; or an honorably-discharged veteran died of a service-connected injury.

Burial Plot Allowance

$828 is available for an honorably-discharged veteran not interred in a cemetery that is under the jurisdiction of the US government, IF: the veteran was receiving a pension or disability benefits from the VA at the time of death; the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA-contracted health care facility.

Military Honors

Generally consists of taps and a flag-folding detail performance by military personnel from the branch of service served.

US Flag

An honorably-discharged veteran is entitled to a US flag provided by the Veterans Administration.

Headstone or Marker

In a national or state veteran’s cemetery, a veteran, spouse and dependent children receive a free headstone. For burial in a private cemetery, a simple marker for veterans ONLY will be provided.

Burial in a National Cemetery

Free grave space is available for a veteran, spouse and dependent children.

Burial in the NH State Veterans Cemetery

While not part of the National Cemetery System, the NH State Veterans Cemetery, in Boscawen, provides free burial space for veterans. A spouse and dependent children may also be interred in the cemetery for a fee of $350. Eligibility is consistent with National Cemetery rules. Interment space cannot be reserved in advance. Veterans may pre-apply to confirm eligibility. Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Burial in the VT State Veterans Cemetery

The VVMC in Randolph Center provides free burial space for veterans. A spouse and dependent children may also be interred in the cemetery for a small fee. Currently the non-veteran interment fee is $525 for a casket and $225 for an urn and the cemetery does accept prepayment of interment charges. Eligibility is consistent with National Cemetery rules. Interment space cannot be reserved in advance. Veterans may pre-apply to confirm eligibility. Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Expand for more detailed information about VA payments

For service-connected deaths:

  • If the Veteran died on or after Sept. 11, 2001: maximum $2,000
  • If the Veteran died before Sept. 11, 2001: maximum $1,500
  • If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery: some or all of the costs of transporting remains

For non-service-connected deaths:

  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2021: $300 burial allowance; $828 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2020, but before Oct. 1, 2021: $300 burial allowance; $807 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2019, but before Oct. 1, 2020: $300 burial allowance; $796 for a plot

Effective Oct. 1, 2011, non-service-connected death rates have changed. Payable rates are higher if the Veteran was hospitalized by VA at time of death.

  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2021: $828 burial allowance; $828 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2020, but before Oct. 1, 2021: $807 burial allowance; $807 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2019, but before Oct. 1, 2020: $796 burial allowance; $796 for a plot
  • If death occurred while the Veteran was hospitalized by VA: some or all costs of transporting remains (This also applies to VA-contracted nursing home care.)

Note: If the Veteran dies while traveling at VA expense, VA will pay burial, funeral, plot or interment allowances. VA will also pay transportation expenses. The traveling must have been for the purpose of an exam, treatment or care.

For unclaimed remains:

  • If Veteran remains are unclaimed, the entity responsible for burial can receive a $300 burial allowance.
  • If buried in a VA national cemetery, VA may reimburse the cost of transporting remains and/or the cost for a plot

Questions?

We will notify the Veterans Administration at the time of death, however if you have specific questions concerning eligibility claims and benefits you may visit the VA website or contact:

Veterans Administration Regional Office
275 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 666-7785

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