Burial Plot Allowance

Definition

The Burial Plot Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans and their families. It helps cover the cost of purchasing a burial plot in a private or public cemetery unconnected to a VA national cemetery. The allowance applies to veterans who meet specific service-related criteria and aids in reducing funeral and burial expenses for their families.

Key Takeaways

1. The Burial Plot Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help cover the cost of a burial plot for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
2. Eligibility for this allowance depends on various factors, such as the veteran’s discharge status, whether the death was service-related, and if the burial takes place in a national or private cemetery.
3. The amount of the Burial Plot Allowance may vary depending on the circumstances, but generally, it ranges from $300 to $780 for non-service-related deaths and up to $2,000 for service-related deaths.

Importance

The VA benefits term: Burial Plot Allowance is important because it signifies the financial assistance provided to eligible veterans, their spouses, or dependents for the purchase of a burial plot as part of their funeral and burial benefits.

This allowance aims to ease the financial burden on the families of the deceased veterans, honoring and recognizing their service and sacrifice for the country.

By offering support for burial plots, veterans and their families are given the dignity and respect they rightfully deserve during a time of grief and loss.

Explanation

The Burial Plot Allowance serves as a crucial support for veterans’ families during emotionally challenging times, as it aims to help ease the burden of expenses associated with the interment of a loved one who had served their country.

Its primary purpose is to provide financial assistance for the purchase of a grave plot or internment site, allowing veterans and their eligible family members to have a dignified and respectful final resting place.

This allowance contributes to honoring the veteran’s service and sacrifices and ensures that their memory is preserved for future generations.

In addition to the basic function of covering the costs of burial plots, the Burial Plot Allowance may also be used to help cover other interment-related expenses, such as the costs of opening and closing the grave, perpetual care, or additional expenses required to conform to local cemetery regulations.

By offering this financial support, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plays a vital role in upholding a long-standing tradition of gratitude, respect, and support for veterans and their families, providing a sense of closure and relief during an otherwise trying and difficult time.

Examples of Burial Plot Allowance

The Burial Plot Allowance is a benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to help cover the costs of a veteran’s burial plot or internment in a private cemetery. Here are three real-world examples of situations in which the VA might provide burial plot allowance:

A World War II veteran passes away, and the family decides to bury him in a private cemetery close to their home. Since the veteran meets eligibility requirements, the VA provides a burial plot allowance to help cover the costs associated with purchasing a plot and the interment services in the private cemetery.

A Gulf War veteran dies, and her family chooses to have her remains placed in a columbarium niche in a private cemetery. The family applies for a burial plot allowance from the VA, which, if eligible, helps them offset the costs associated with the niche, urn, and other related fees in the private cemetery.

A Korean War veteran’s family decides to bury him in a veterans’ section at a local cemetery not managed by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The family applies for the burial plot allowance from the VA to cover the costs of purchasing the plot and interment services. Once the VA verifies the veteran’s eligibility, they provide the family with the burial plot allowance to help defray the costs.

FAQs – Burial Plot Allowance

1. What is the VA Burial Plot Allowance?

The VA Burial Plot Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help eligible veterans and their families with the costs of purchasing a burial plot for a veteran’s final resting place.

2. Who is eligible for the Burial Plot Allowance?

Eligible veterans include those who have served on active duty, veterans who have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and certain service members who die while on active duty. Additionally, spouses, surviving spouses, and eligible dependent children of veterans may qualify for the benefit.

3. How much is the VA Burial Plot Allowance?

The amount of the burial plot allowance depends on whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery. For private cemetery burials, the VA typically provides up to $300 for veterans who were not hospitalized by the VA at the time of death. For burials in national cemeteries, the VA will provide a gravesite, headstone or marker, and perpetual care allowance at no cost.

4. How do I apply for the Burial Plot Allowance?

To apply for the Burial Plot Allowance, you can submit a claim to your local VA regional office or national cemetery office. You must provide a completed VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Benefits, along with supporting documents such as the veteran’s discharge papers and proof of the veteran’s death.

5. How long does it take for the VA to process a Burial Plot Allowance claim?

The processing time for a Burial Plot Allowance claim can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the claim and the accuracy of the information provided. In general, it is recommended to submit a claim as soon as possible after the veteran’s death to ensure timely processing.

6. Can I receive a Burial Plot Allowance if the veteran is already buried?

Yes, the VA Burial Plot Allowance may be applied for retroactively. If the veteran is already buried, you can still submit a claim to the VA for the Burial Plot Allowance. However, it is important to note that the benefit will only be provided for expenses related to a burial plot that were not reimbursed by another source.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Veterans’ burial benefits
• Grave marker assistance
• Funeral costs support
• National Cemetery eligibility
• Memorial plot reimbursement

Sources for More Information

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