National Cemeteries:

  • Most National Cemeteries are full (Bakersfield, Sacramento, Los Angeles, closest ones)

  • VA burial benefits are not automatic; must be requested usually only available at ‘At-Need’ only.

  • Documentation is required - DD214

  • VA does not cover all costs associated with funeral & cemetery

  • Casket only covered for death on active duty

What the VA offers:

  • Free plot in National Cemetery

  • Free marker – Gov’t regulations

  • Free liner – concrete vault (only in Nationall cemetery)

  • US Flag & Presidential Certificate

  • Military Funeral Honors with “Taps”

  • Up to $796

  • for burial expense and plot

  • $2,000 if service related

Service-related Death

VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non-service-related Death

VA will pay up to $796 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2019 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $796 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths on or after April 1, 1988 but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by VA at the time of death).

An annual increase in burial and plot allowances for deaths occurring after October 1, 2011 began in fiscal year 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period. 

source: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp