At Dietrich Funeral Home, we are honored to serve our military veterans and their families, and we thank you for your service to our country. Veterans and loved ones of Veterans may qualify for Veterans Burial Allowances (or Veterans Death Benefits) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the VA website or call 1-800-827-1000 Mon-Fri, 8 am – 9 pm. 

What is Covered with Veterans Death Benefits?

For burial in a national cemetery, you’ll receive an allowance for:

• Burial and funeral costs (up to $2,000)
• The plot (gravesite) or interment
• Some or all the costs of moving the remains

You must apply separately on the VA site for the following:

• Headstones, markers, and medallions
• A United States burial flag
• An engraved certificate signed by the current president

Who Is Eligible for Veterans Death Benefits?

The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge, and one of these circumstances must be true. The Veteran died:

• As a result of a service-connected disability
• While getting VA care at a VA facility or a facility contracted by VA
• While traveling with proper authorization, at VA’s expense, to or from a facility for an examination, or to receive treatment or care
• With an original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension pending at the time of death, if they would’ve been entitled to benefits before the time of death
• While receiving a VA pension or compensation
• While eligible for a VA pension or compensation at the time of death, but instead received full military retirement or disability pay
• Had been getting a VA pension or compensation when they died
• Had chosen to get military retired pay instead of compensation

Who Is Allowed to Apply for Veterans Death Benefits?

You may be eligible to apply for Veteran’s burial allowances if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs and you won’t be reimbursed by any other organization, like another government agency or the Veteran’s employer. You must also have the following relationship with the Veteran:

• Surviving spouse
• Surviving partner from a legal union
• Surviving child
• Parent
• Executor or administrator of the estate

How Do I Apply for Veterans Death Benefits?

You will need the following information:

• Veteran’s Social Security number or VA file number
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Military status and history

You may need:

• A copy of the Veteran’s DD214 or other separation documents
• A copy of the death certificate
• Any documents or receipts you have for the cost of transporting the remains
• A statement of account (with the letterhead of the funeral home or cemetery owner)