Burial Plot Allowance

Definition

The Burial Plot Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover the cost of a gravesite and its maintenance for eligible veterans. This allowance covers expenses related to the burial plot, including interment or other disposition of the veteran’s remains. The benefit is intended to ease the financial burden on the veteran’s family and ensure a dignified and respectful resting place for the deceased veteran.

Key Takeaways

1. Burial Plot Allowance is a financial benefit provided to eligible veterans or their dependents to cover the costs of a burial site in a private cemetery.
2. The eligibility conditions include the veteran’s discharge conditions, wartime service periods, and death circumstances, such as dying in active duty or from service-related disabilities.
3. The amount of allowance depends on whether the veteran’s death was service-related or non-service-related. As of 2021, service-related death allowance is $2,000, while non-service-related varies from $300 to $796.

Importance

The VA benefits term: Burial Plot Allowance is important because it provides financial assistance to veterans and their families for the acquisition of a burial plot or interment site in a private cemetery, ensuring a dignified and honorable final resting place.

This benefit helps to alleviate the burden of funeral expenses and demonstrates appreciation for the veteran’s service, as well as their commitment to defending the nation.

It also serves as a recognition of the sacrifices made by not only the veterans but also their families, allowing them to access the necessary financial support during a difficult period while commemorating the life and service of their loved one.

Explanation

The Burial Plot Allowance serves as a key element of the VA benefits specifically tailored to provide financial support to families and loved ones of deceased veterans during their time of grief. Its main purpose is to alleviate the financial burden incurred while securing a final resting place for the departed veteran.

This allowance acknowledges the sacrifices made by the veteran during their service to the nation and ensures that their families receive assistance in giving them a dignified burial in a plot of their choosing, be it in a private or national cemetery. The Burial Plot Allowance comes into play when the families and loved ones of the deceased veteran seek to obtain and maintain a burial plot within private or non-governmental cemeteries.

This allowance has been designed to ease expenditures such as acquisition and maintenance of the plot, as well as any necessary landscaping to ensure that the veteran’s final resting place remains dignified and well-maintained. By providing this financial assistance, the VA aims to express gratitude and remembrance for the dedicated service that these veterans have provided to their country throughout their career.

Examples of Burial Plot Allowance

The Burial Plot Allowance is a financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to qualifying veterans, which helps cover the expenses related to the burial plot or interment. Here are three real-world examples:

WWII Veteran: A World War II veteran, who had been honorably discharged, passes away. As per their service record and eligibility, the family applies for the VA’s burial plot allowance. They receive financial assistance to help cover the expenses related to purchasing a plot and setting up a suitable headstone or marker in a private cemetery.

Service-Connected Death: A U.S. military veteran dies due to a service-connected disability. The family applies for the burial plot allowance to cover burial costs in a private cemetery. In this case, the family may receive a higher amount of financial assistance because the death occurred due to a service-connected disability.

State Veterans Cemetery: A qualified veteran passes away and the family decides to bury them in a state veterans cemetery, but the state requires a nominal fee for the burial plot. The family can apply for the VA burial plot allowance to help cover this fee. However, the allowance amount may be less compared to interments in private cemeteries, as most state veterans cemeteries offer burial benefits at low or no cost.

FAQs for Burial Plot Allowance

What is a Burial Plot Allowance?

A Burial Plot Allowance is a benefit provided to eligible veterans or their families to cover some or all of the costs associated with burial, plot acquisition, and interment fees. This allowance is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help ease the financial burden on the veteran’s family during their time of need.

Who is eligible for a Burial Plot Allowance?

Eligible veterans include those who were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, and those who died on active duty. In addition, the veteran must also meet certain service requirements, such as serving during a specified wartime period, or having a service-connected disability. Surviving spouses, minor children, and in some cases, parents of eligible veterans may also be eligible for a burial plot allowance.

How much is the Burial Plot Allowance?

The amount provided for the burial plot allowance varies depending on factors such as whether the veteran is eligible for a service-connected death or non-service-connected death. The amount can also change periodically due to cost-of-living adjustments. Please refer to the VA’s website or consult with a VA representative for the most up-to-date information on the burial plot allowance amounts.

How do I apply for a Burial Plot Allowance?

To apply for a burial plot allowance, you can complete VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) and submit it along with any required supporting documentation, such as a copy of the veteran’s discharge document (DD Form 214), the veteran’s death certificate, and any invoices or receipts for burial costs. You can submit the application through mail, fax, or in-person to a VA regional office. You can also apply online through the VA’s website.

Is there a deadline to apply for a Burial Plot Allowance?

Yes, there is a deadline to apply for a burial plot allowance. For service-connected deaths, you must apply within two years of the veteran’s death. For non-service-connected deaths, the deadline is typically within two years of when the burial or cremation expenses were paid. Be sure to check with the VA for any updates to these deadlines.

Can I receive a Burial Plot Allowance if the veteran is buried in a national cemetery?

If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, they will receive a gravesite, headstone or marker, and military honors at no cost. In these cases, a burial plot allowance is not applicable, as the VA already covers these expenses. However, families may still apply for the burial allowance to help cover any additional costs related to the veteran’s burial, such as transportation expenses.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• National Cemetery Administration
• Veterans burial allowance
• Gravesite marker

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• Funeral honors
• Survivor benefits

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans Benefits Administration
• National Cemetery Administration
• Military.com