1. VA Benefits Management Skills Section 6 Veterans Burial Benefits

2. Introduction • The purpose of this unit is to provide knowledge of the burial benefits associated with the arm forces.

3. Topics of Discussion • Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be entitled to allowances for funeral, internment, transportation expense, burial flag, headstones and presidential memorial certificate. These benefits are administered by Dept. Veterans Affairs (VA)

4. Burial BenefitsNon-Service Related • Partial reimbursement of Burial and funeral expenses • A plot interment allowance • Or a plot in a national cemetery

5. Burial BenefitsNon-Service RelatedQualifications • Veteran died from service related disability • Receiving a VA pension • Died in VA facility • Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

6. How much do they pay?Service related death • $1,500 prior to 9/10/01 • $2000 after 9/11/01 • If buried in a National Cemetery all or partial costs of transportation

7. How much do they pay?Non-service related death • $300 for burial expenses • $150 for plot allowance prior to 12/1/01 • $300 for plot allowance after 12/1/01 • Death in VA - some or all transportation costs • 2 year time limit from date of service

8. Related Benefits • Burial flag • Burial in VA National Cemetery • Headstone or Marker • Presidential Memorial Certificates

9. Burial Flag • Is provided to drape the casket or urn. • Is given to the next of kin or can be given to close friend • If not can be donated • Flags can be obtained at Post Office or VA facility • Generally the FD will help you

10. Government Headstones • Before 9/11/01 only for graves that are not marked with a private headstone ( they can apply for a marker allowance ) • Families may select the type • Niche markers are also available

11. Presidential Memorial Certificate • Eligible to all veterans • More than one can be ordered.