VA Burial & Cremation Benefits 2026: Eligibility and Allowances

Veterans and their families may qualify for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funeral, burial, and cremation benefits that help lower end-of-life costs while honoring military service. These benefits may include financial allowances, burial or inurnment in a VA national cemetery, and military funeral honors. Because VA benefits are not automatic, families must apply for and coordinate them properly.

Understanding these benefits in advance can help families avoid confusion, control costs, and make confident decisions during a difficult moment. With Tulip Cremation, you can make arrangements entirely online or by phone, with transparent pricing and affordable prepaid options.

This guide is an overview of VA burial and cremation benefits for eligible Veterans, effective January 1, 2026. For complete details, visit the VA website.

Veterans Burial and Cremation Benefits

The VA helps offset certain burial, funeral, and cremation expenses for eligible Veterans and their families. Depending on eligibility and circumstances, benefits may include:

• A financial allowance for burial, funeral, or cremation costs
• A plot or interment allowance, including cremation niches
• Transportation reimbursement for moving remains to a final resting place

These benefits apply whether a family chooses traditional burial or cremation with inurnment.

Current VA Burial Benefits for 2026

For eligible Veterans, the VA provides the following allowances:

• Non-service-connected death: Up to $978 toward burial, funeral, or cremation expenses
• Plot or interment allowance: Up to $978 when burial or inurnment occurs outside a VA national cemetery
• Service-connected death: Up to $2,000 toward burial or funeral costs

What Are VA Burial and Cremation Benefits?

VA burial benefits, sometimes called death benefits, help reduce funeral costs while ensuring Veterans receive a dignified final tribute. Eligible Veterans, along with certain spouses and dependents, may receive burial or inurnment in a VA national cemetery at no cost.

This benefit typically includes:

• A gravesite or cremation niche
• Opening and closing of the grave or niche
• Perpetual care 
• A government-provided headstone or marker
• A U.S. burial flag
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate

Military Funeral Honors

When a Veteran is buried or inurned in a VA national cemetery, military funeral honors are generally included in the committal service. Most state, territorial (including Puerto Rico), and tribal Veterans cemeteries also arrange honors, though confirmation may be required.

Military honors typically include:

• A U.S. burial flag
• Taps, played by a live bugler when available or via ceremonial recording
• An honor guard detail, with at least one member from the deceased’s branch of service

Additional VA Benefits for Private Cemeteries

Families who choose burial or inurnment in a private cemetery may still qualify for certain VA benefits.

Military Funeral Honors

When requested, the Department of Defense provides military funeral honors, including folding and presenting the burial flag and playing “Taps.” Funeral providers typically help coordinate this service.

Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

The VA supplies headstones or markers worldwide and offers medallions for placement on privately purchased headstones.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Families may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the Veteran’s service.

VA Burial Transportation Allowance

The VA covers transportation costs when a Veteran passes away in a VA or VA-approved medical facility. In limited situations, the VA may also reimburse transportation to the burial or inurnment location.

Who Can Apply for VA Burial Benefits?

To qualify, the Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Eligible applicants may include:

• A surviving spouse (including same-sex marriages)
• A surviving partner from a recognized legal union
• A surviving child
• A parent
• The executor or administrator of the estate
• The person or organization that paid the funeral or cremation expenses

Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify if they served in the Selected Reserve, completed their service obligation with an honorable discharge, or died while on active duty or authorized training.

When a Veteran’s Death Qualifies for VA Burial Benefits

VA burial or cremation benefits may apply if any of the following are true:

• The Veteran was receiving VA compensation or pension
• The Veteran died from a service-connected disability
• Death occurred while receiving VA medical care
• Death occurred while traveling under VA authorization
• A VA compensation or pension claim was pending
• The Veteran qualified for VA benefits but chose military retirement or disability pay instead

Situations Where VA Burial Benefits Are Not Payable

VA burial benefits are not available if the Veteran passed away:

• While on active military duty
• While serving as a member of Congress
• While serving a federal prison sentence

VA Benefits and Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

VA burial and cremation benefits provide meaningful assistance, but they often cover only part of the total expense. At the same time, VA disability compensation has struggled to keep pace with inflation, reducing its purchasing power.

According to Military.com, the 2026 VA disability cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, an increase many Veterans report does not fully offset rising expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare.

Because costs continue to rise, many Veterans and families choose prepaid cremation to lock in today’s prices. With Tulip Cremation, families can arrange services online or by phone, easily compare options, and secure affordable prepaid plans without in-person visits.

VA burial and cremation benefits play an important role in honoring Veterans and easing financial stress for families. Understanding these benefits allows families to plan with confidence and avoid last-minute decisions.

Tulip Cremation offers simple, transparent cremation planning, with convenient online and phone arrangements designed to fit modern families’ needs. Tulip Cremation is a certified Veterans Funeral Specialist provider who can help coordinate eligible honors and allowances.

To get started, click here or call (844) 942-4909 24/7 to speak with a Tulip care team member.