Posted on Oct 20, 2022
Why doesn't the military or VA offer cremation or a stipend to help pay for cremation of veterans who choose not to be buried?
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Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 5
The VA will pay a 'burial benefit' that can be used towards the cost of cremation. Depending on the veteran's situation, they will cover $796 towards a non-service connected death or up to $2,000 for a service connected one.
While it doesn't specifically state "cremation" as part of the program, it is covered according to many other sources (for example, https://cremationinstitute.com/va-death-benefits-cremation/)
More details at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/
While it doesn't specifically state "cremation" as part of the program, it is covered according to many other sources (for example, https://cremationinstitute.com/va-death-benefits-cremation/)
More details at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/
VA Death Benefits Cremation: Are You Entitled To $2000?
This article discuss all the VA Death Benefits for Cremation. We go through allowances for funeral, cemeteries, headstone markers, spouse benefits, & more.
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PO2 Stewart Calkins
It's a pretty well-kept VA secret then. How about a publically acknowledged discussion of the term "burial benefit"?
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COL Randall C.
PO2 Stewart Calkins, it's actually well known but like any of the VA benefits it tends to be lost in the noise because there is so much stuff you have to wade through. You almost have to know what you're looking for in order to find it.
This is why the best advice will always be, "talk to a VSO or a state's VA representative".
This is why the best advice will always be, "talk to a VSO or a state's VA representative".
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COL Randall C.
PO2 Stewart Calkins - regarding the cost figures ($768 vs $300) and which is correct. I would say don't take either figure and look for the answer from the source - check out the link above to the VA's site and see what they say.
All the information about an exact $ figure is right and wrong at the same time (mine included) because it depends on the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual.
For instance, following the link and looking at the updated figures as of 1 OCT 22, they now say this (if the veteran died today):
Service connected: $2,000
Non-service connected: $300 burial allowance and $893 for a plot
Non-service connected but hospitalized with the VA at the time: $893 burial/$893 plot
In addition, they will give you a headstone or marker allowance regardless if it was service connected or not: $231
All the information about an exact $ figure is right and wrong at the same time (mine included) because it depends on the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual.
For instance, following the link and looking at the updated figures as of 1 OCT 22, they now say this (if the veteran died today):
Service connected: $2,000
Non-service connected: $300 burial allowance and $893 for a plot
Non-service connected but hospitalized with the VA at the time: $893 burial/$893 plot
In addition, they will give you a headstone or marker allowance regardless if it was service connected or not: $231
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As far as I know the VA doesn't force one burial option over another. That's your choice to make. The burial allowance is used for burial costs regardless of what you choose.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
PO2 Stewart Calkins because it’s a set amount of money to go towards the overall cost of a burial. Many folks are still buried after being cremated. Also, burial has become the common term used when referring to a funeral ceremony or interment. It doesn’t always mean putting a body in a coffin and putting the coffin in the ground. For example, a burial at sea could just be spreading the ashes into the ocean.
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