How Veterans Can Apply for Financial Funeral Benefits
Written by: Marissa Bergen, Healthcare Industry Writer, and Troy Centazzo, Founder and CEO of Opal Cremation
Key Takeaways
- Veterans are entitled to financial funeral benefits, but how can they apply for them?
- To apply for veterans’ funeral benefits, military members and their families must fill out specific VA forms and submit them online or in person, with other documentation.
- In receiving benefits, there are guidelines concerning how long you have to apply, who qualifies, and how much assistance families receive.
- Although benefits help with funeral costs, they typically won’t fully cover them. However, there are other options for families struggling to make ends meet.
- Families with questions about benefits can contact the VA or Opal Cremation. We offer resources, direct cremation expertise, and qualification assistance.
Table of Contents
- Which Forms are Required for Veterans’ Death Benefits?
- How Does Someone Apply for Financial Funeral Benefits for Veterans?
- What Kind of Information Do I Need to Apply for Financial Assistance for Veterans?
- How Does the Money Get Distributed? Where Does It Go?
- Is There a Limited Time to Apply for Veteran Funeral Benefits in California?
- Is There a Limit on Benefits? How Much Will the Veteran’s Family Receive?
- Do Vet Benefits Cover the Cost of Funerals?
- How Long Will It Take the Family to Receive Funeral Financial Benefits?
- What If I Need Help During the Application Process?
- Are Cremation Packages Really All-Inclusive?
- Opal is the Ideal Choice for Direct Cremation in Los Angeles and Orange County
- FAQs
- Opal Resources
When a veteran passes away, their family may qualify for certain veterans’ funeral benefits. For Los Angeles and Orange County families, understanding the application process and which benefits are covered can make a significant difference during an already difficult time.
As long as the veteran meets specific federal and county criteria, you, as a family member, should be entitled to financial funeral assistance to help supplement costs associated with funeral expenses, which can include cremation.
You may have some questions about the application process and what the benefits cover. We’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions about veterans’ benefits to provide clarity and alleviate potential concerns.
Visit our Veterans Resources page on our website. If you have questions, please let us know. We can provide complete guidance on accessing benefits, help you through the application process, and arrange a suitable send-off for your loved one.
Which Forms are Required for Veterans’ Funeral Benefits?
Forms generally fall into two categories: forms veterans fill out before death to ensure they receive coverage, and forms families fill out after their loved one’s death to be reimbursed for funeral expenses and receive survivor benefits.
If the veteran filled out the appropriate form before death, their families won’t need to fill out additional forms after death to receive coverage for burial expenses. However, they may want to apply for DIC benefits.
Forms Filled Out by the Veteran Before Death
- VA Form 40-10007: This form, filled out before a veteran’s death, determines whether they are eligible for a VA burial.
- VA Form 40-1330: Veterans who wish to be honored with a military headstone, grave marker, or niche marker should complete this form.
- VA Form 40-0247: For veterans who wish to be honored with a presidential memorial certificate.
- VA Form 27-2008: This application determines eligibility for a burial flag.
These pre-need methods can reduce hassles for survivors.
“If you aren’t sure your service qualifies for burial in a national cemetery, a pre-need determination of eligibility could give you peace of mind and ease the burden on your loved ones in that very difficult time.”
National Cemetery Scheduling Office Director Jay Dalrymple in the VA’s report, “Helping Survivors Plan Ahead”.
When vets fill out forms ahead of time, it saves relatives stress during difficult times and ensures they get the benefits they require.
Forms Filled Out by the Family After the Veteran’s Death
- VA Form 21P-534 EZ: This form is used to apply for:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly payment to eligible survivors of veterans who died on active duty or due to a service-related disability.
- Death Pension: A needs-based benefit for surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans.
- Accrued Benefits: Benefits owed to veterans not paid out before their death.
- VA Form 21P-535: This form is specifically for parents of the deceased applying for DIC.
- VA Form 21P 530EZ: This form is used to apply for burial benefits, including the burial allowance, plot allowance, and reimbursement for burial expenses.
| Forms Filled Out by Vets | Forms Filled Out by Families | ||
| VA Form 40-10007 | Determines eligibility for benefits | VA Form 21P-534 EZ | Determines eligibility for DIC and accrued benefits |
| VA Form 40-1330 | Determines eligibility for a headstone or grave marker | VA Form 21P-530EZ | Determines eligibility for DIC for parents of the deceased |
| VA Form 40-0247 | Determines eligibility for a presidential memorial certificate | VA Form 21P 530EZ | Determines eligibility for burial benefits |
| VA Form 27-2008 | Determines eligibility for a burial flag | ||
How Does Someone Apply for Veterans’ Funeral Benefits?
Once you determine which application you need, you can apply online, via mail, in person, or through a representative. Your options are as follows.
- Go to Vets.gov and apply online.
Search for the appropriate form on va.gov. The site will provide instructions on submitting the form and additional documentation. - Alternatively, they can also submit a paper application.
If the family cannot apply online, they can also complete a physical paper application. The completed application should be mailed to your state’s Pension Management Center. In California, it is the St. Paul VA Pension Management Center. - If you prefer not to apply online or by mail, you can also work with an accredited representative.
You can appoint an attorney, claim agent, or volunteer service overseas to work on your behalf to receive the benefits.
Finally, you can visit your local regional benefit office and submit your application in person.
Los Angeles residents can submit paperwork at the Los Angeles Regional Benefit Office located at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard. Orange County veterans can also visit the regional office or apply online through va.gov.
In addition to helping you collect veterans’ funeral benefits, reporting the death will stop any benefits the vet received during their lifetime, relieving families of the potential hassle of paying back benefits later.
What Kind of Information Do I Need to Apply for Financial Assistance for Veterans?
The VA will request supplementary forms along with the application. They vary depending on the type of form you’re filing, but may include:
- The vet’s Social Security number, or Veteran’s Administration (VA) file number
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Military status and history
- A copy of the veteran’s DD214 or other separation documents
- A copy of the veteran’s death certificate
- Proof of your relationship to the vet, such as a marriage certificate, license, or birth certificate
- A bill of burial expenses for families that require reimbursement
How Does the Money Get Distributed? Where Does It Go?
If the requirements are met and the family is eligible for the assistance, the money will go directly to the family. The VA will not apply the funds directly to a funeral service provider or crematorium; rather, it is a reimbursement for the expenses already incurred toward the funeral services.
This means that the family will cover the costs of the loved one’s funeral or cremation first, and then they will be reimbursed via the veteran’s funeral benefits. You must keep all of your receipts to submit them for reimbursement.
Although expenses are typically covered retroactively, the VA may provide benefits that help the family plan and prepare for costs such as burial allowances, plot allowances, and transportation coverage. Veterans can also explore options like VA life insurance and end-of-life planning to help their family financially after their death.
Is There a Limited Time to Apply for Veterans’ Funeral Benefits in California?
If the death was not service-related, families must apply for assistance within two years of the veteran’s burial or cremation to receive funeral benefits. If families do not file a claim within two years, it will most likely be denied.
However, if the death was service-related, there is no time limit. Additionally, there is no time limit for receiving the transportation benefits.
Is There a Limit on the Compensation? How Much Will the Veteran’s Family Receive?
The compensation amount will vary from family to family, depending on when the veteran passed away and whether their death was service-related. Here are some guidelines to consider.
- Service-related death: The VA will pay up to $2000 for a service-related death that occurred on or after Sept. 11, 2001. They will pay up to $1500 for deaths before that date. They may also cover transportation expenses if the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery.
- Non-service-related death: If the death was not service-related but the vet died in a VA hospital, the vet may be entitled to a burial allowance of $978 and an additional plot interment allowance of $978. If the VA did not hospitalize the veteran at the time of death, the veteran may be entitled to a burial allowance of $300 and an additional plot interment allowance of $300.
Learn more about these factors here.
| Death Type | Compensation |
| Service Related After 9/11 | Up to $2000 |
| Service Related Before 9/11 | Up to $1500 |
| Non-Service-Related Death in a VA Hospital | Up to $1956 |
| Non-Service-Related Death Outside a VA Hospital | Up to $600 |
Do Vet Benefits Cover the Costs of Funerals?
Funerals vary in cost; unfortunately, the VA does not fully cover expenses. So, how much will you spend, and how much will be covered? It depends on the type of service you choose.
Services generally fall into four categories, as follows:
- Direct Cremation: The loved one is cremated without a ceremony. A memorial may be held at a later date. This tends to be the least expensive option, costing $2183 on average. The VA will not cover the cremation cost California, but may help with related expenses like transportation and markers.
- Traditional Cremation: This option resembles a conventional funeral, but the body is cremated rather than buried. The average cost is $6280.
- Direct Burial: The loved one is buried without a ceremony, often within 24-72 hours. It costs around $5097.
- Traditional Burial: This burial with a ceremony costs around $8300.
| Type of Service | What’s Involved | Average Cost |
| Direct Cremation | Cremation with no service | $2183 |
| Traditional Cremation | Cremation with service | $6280 |
| Direct Burial | Burial with no service | $5097 |
| Traditional Burial | Burial with service | $8300 |
Reducing Funeral Expenses
As you can see, families will usually still face considerable costs, even after VA benefits. This is especially true in Southern California, where funeral and cremation costs tend to run higher than the national average. However, they can reduce expenses with the following strategies.
- Other Benefits: Family members may be eligible for other benefits through the government and the VA. For example, Social Security typically provides a lump sum payment of $255 to surviving spouses or children if no surviving spouse exists. Survivors can also apply DIC benefits to funeral expenses.
- Life Insurance: Vets can apply for life insurance through the VA or another organization, which can help cover funeral costs after they pass.
- Crowdfunding: The family may crowdfund on popular platforms to raise money to cover funeral expenses.
How Long Will It Take for the Family to Receive Funeral Financial Benefits?
While the timeline varies, it can take up to six months for the VA to process the check and the family to receive the funeral assistance reimbursement.
Wait times can be long, but the VA attempts to approve service to vets and their families.
“We’re modernizing the record, we’re processing claims faster. By getting rid of bureaucracy and freeing up money, we will have more claims processed.”
-Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence in a Kris 6 News report about New Survivor Benefits
Ensure you have all documents ready, including discharge papers, the death certificate, and itemized receipts from the funeral, to expedite the process and receive benefits as soon as possible.
What If I Need Help During the Application Process?
The VA’s application page makes everything very transparent and even allows you to message them via Ask VA (AVA). They also provide contact numbers and resource articles to read throughout the process.
Opal Cremation is also happy to answer all of your questions regarding the passing of a loved one and what you can anticipate during the cremation and funeral process. Knowing how challenging this time can be, we can walk you through what’s expected and how to plan. We even walk families through the application process.
For a complete overview of all veterans’ burial and cremation benefits available in California, including VA cemetery options, see our comprehensive guide.
Opal Provides VA Benefit Assistance & Affordable Direct Cremation in Southern California
Opal understands that applying for VA benefits is confusing. We can assist you every step of the way.
We offer a completely transparent direct cremation package with truly all-inclusive services. Unlike many competitors who charge hidden fees, we include documentation, permits, transportation of the body, body storage, urns, caskets, viewing services, and ash scattering referrals at no additional cost.
Our cremation price also includes assistance with VA benefit applications. We will guide you through the process, ensuring success.
Call us at 888-714-8481 to ensure peace of mind when your military loved one passes on.
FAQs: Veterans’ Funeral Benefits
Are all veterans eligible for funeral benefits?
No, your loved one may not be eligible for funeral benefits if they were dishonorably discharged, if they died while serving a federal prison sentence or while serving in Congress, or if they decline benefits. Their role in the military could also impact benefits.
When a veteran dies, who gets the money?
A low-income unremarried spouse or unmarried children of a deceased veteran may be eligible for survivor pension benefits.
Who notifies the VA when a veteran dies?
The next of kin, such as a surviving spouse or children, will typically notify the VA about their loved one’s death. In some circumstances, a licensed cremation provider or funeral director will handle this task.
Can I get assistance if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery? (H3)
Relatives typically get more assistance if their loved one is buried in a national ceremony. However, benefits are available regardless of where they are buried.
What is the Presidential Memorial Certificate?
The president signs the Presidential Memorial Certificate for deceased, honorably discharged military personnel. It is available to families by request.
