What Burial Benefits Does the VA Offer for a Veteran Who Died?
Use the free tool — After a Loss
Our condolences on your loss
If the person who died served in the military, the VA may be able to help with burial costs, a plot, and survivor benefits. One call costs nothing — even if you're not sure the veteran qualifies.
Call the VA to ask
Veterans may have burial allowances, plots, and survivor benefits available. Reach out through VA survivor benefits to find out what applies to your situation.
- This call belongs on the "this week" list — not today, but soon.
- We don't have the exact dollar amounts or eligibility rules here. The VA will confirm what applies to your veteran.
Don't forget Social Security
The funeral home usually reports the death to Social Security. But survivors still need to call about benefits — don't assume it's already handled. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA survivors.
- If a benefit was paid for the month of death, it often has to be returned. SSA can tell you whether this applies.
Order more death certificates than feels reasonable
Ask the funeral home for at least 10 certified copies. Banks, insurers, the DMV, and the VA will each want an original, not a photocopy. More on ordering them: CDC vital records.
Watch for scams
Scammers read obituaries. Never pay anyone who calls claiming the deceased owed a "debt" without written validation first. If you publish an obituary, consider leaving out the home address — it can signal to scammers when the house sits empty during services.
What can truly wait
The house, the belongings, most accounts, and any decision someone is pressuring you to rush — these can wait. If a will, probate, or estate taxes come up, that's where a probate attorney earns their fee. Many offer free first consultations, and legal aid handles many estates at no cost. Your state bar association can point you to the right referral.
What to do next
Answer a few gentle questions about your situation — skip anything you don't know. Our free tool reads your own numbers and document details and gives you an ordered list: what's today, what's this week, and what can wait. Nothing you type is stored.
This is general guidance, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it can be wrong. Estate matters vary by state — confirm details with the VA, SSA, or a probate attorney as needed.
After a Loss offers general guidance for a hard week; it can be wrong and it is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Estate matters vary by state. Nothing you type is stored.