How to Find Local Veteran Service Officers for Funeral Benefits

A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is a trained professional often free of charge who helps veterans and their families navigate the paperwork needed to claim VA burial and funeral benefits. To find one near you, start with the VA's eBenefits or state Department of Veterans Affairs website, call the VA's main line at 1-800-827-1000, or visit your county's veterans affairs office in person. VSOs work at federal, state, and county levels, and they handle claims for burial allowances, memorial headstones, burial flags, and other benefits available when families face funeral costs they can't cover on their own.

What does a veteran service officer actually do for funeral benefits?

A VSO helps surviving family members file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs for burial benefits. This includes the VA burial allowance (a cash payment to help offset funeral costs), the government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. VSOs know which forms to file, what documentation the VA requires, and how to avoid delays. Many families don't realize they can file these claims themselves but a VSO removes the guesswork, especially during a stressful time.

VSOs are accredited by the VA through recognized organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and AMVETS. Accreditation means they've met training standards and are authorized to represent veterans and their families before the VA. This matters because the VA won't accept claim submissions from just anyone acting on behalf of a veteran.

Where do I search for a VSO near me?

The VA maintains a searchable database of accredited representatives at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation. You can filter by your zip code and the type of representative you need. Here are the most reliable ways to find one:

VA Accreditation Search Tool Go to va.gov and search for accredited VSOs by location. This list includes county, state, and organizational representatives.
Your state's Department of Veterans Affairs Every state has one. Search "[your state] department of veterans affairs" and look for their VSO locator or county office directory.
County or city veterans affairs offices Most counties employ one or more VSOs who handle claims for local residents. Call your county government's main number and ask to be connected.
Veterans service organizations The VFW, American Legion, DAV, and AMVETS all have local posts with service officers trained to help. Contact your nearest post.
VA regional benefits office You can walk into a regional office and ask to speak with someone about burial benefits. Find locations at va.gov.
Call 1-800-827-1000 The VA's main number can connect you with resources in your area, including your nearest VSO.

What if the veteran didn't have next of kin to handle these claims?

Families sometimes face a situation where a veteran dies without close relatives or designated next of kin. In these cases, VSOs can still assist with filing burial claims, coordinating with the VA, and arranging memorial service details. Some states and counties step in when no family member is available. Our article on arrangements for families without next of kin covers this in more detail.

Can a VSO help with burial at a national or state veterans cemetery?

Yes and this is one of the most valuable things a VSO does. A VSO can confirm whether the veteran qualifies for burial in a VA national cemetery or a state veterans cemetery. They help gather proof of military service (DD Form 214), verify discharge status, and submit the interment request. Each state has its own rules for state-run cemeteries. For example, we cover Ohio's cemetery plot benefits for families and California's state veteran cemetery eligibility in separate guides. A VSO familiar with your state's programs will know what's available locally.

When should I contact a VSO before or after the funeral?

Ideally, contact a VSO as soon as possible after the veteran's death. Some burial benefits like the VA burial allowance and plot allowance require filing within two years of the burial or cremation. A VSO can also help arrange military funeral honors (a detail that many families don't know they can request at no cost), coordinate the burial flag, and apply for a government headstone or marker.

That said, it's not too late if the funeral has already happened. VSOs regularly file claims after the fact. If you're in a state like Rhode Island, where there are specific funeral honors programs, a VSO can walk you through those details as well see our overview of Rhode Island's veteran funeral honors program for an example.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a VSO?

Having the right documents ready speeds up the process significantly. Bring:

The veteran's DD Form 214 (discharge papers) this is the single most important document. If you can't find it, the VSO can help request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center.
A copy of the death certificate.
Funeral and burial receipts itemized bills from the funeral home.
The veteran's Social Security number.
Any existing VA claim numbers if the veteran was already receiving VA benefits.
Your own identification and proof of your relationship to the veteran (if filing as next of kin).

What's the difference between a county VSO and a VSO from the VFW or American Legion?

Both are VA-accredited and both can file claims on your behalf. The key differences:

County or state VSOs are government employees. Their services are free. They typically serve all veterans in their jurisdiction regardless of service era or discharge status (though eligibility for specific VA benefits still depends on discharge characterization).
Organizational VSOs (VFW, DAV, American Legion, AMVETS) are volunteers or staff affiliated with those organizations. They're also free. In some areas, organizational VSOs have shorter wait times or more flexible hours.

There's no rule saying you have to pick one over the other. If your county VSO has a long backlog, try an organizational VSO, or vice versa. What matters is that you work with someone who's accredited and experienced with burial benefit claims specifically.

Common mistakes families make when looking for a VSO

Assuming the funeral home handles everything. Funeral directors can help with some VA paperwork (especially for burial allowances), but they're not VSOs and don't file all types of claims. Don't rely on the funeral home alone.
Not asking for help at all. Many families assume they won't qualify or that the benefits are too small to bother with. The VA burial allowance alone can be over $2,000 for service-connected deaths and around $900 for non-service-connected deaths (as of 2024). Those numbers change check with a VSO for current rates.
Waiting too long to file. There's a two-year deadline for burial allowance claims. Don't put it off.
Paying someone to file a VA claim. Accredited VSOs provide this service for free. If someone charges you to file a burial benefit claim, that's a red flag. Only VA-accredited attorneys can legally charge for claims assistance, and even they typically handle appeals not initial burial claims.

Quick checklist for finding and working with a VSO

Search the VA accreditation database at va.gov by your zip code.
Call your county veterans affairs office to ask about walk-in hours or appointments.
Contact your nearest VFW, DAV, or American Legion post if the county office has a long wait.
Gather documents DD 214, death certificate, funeral receipts, and the veteran's Social Security number.
Ask the VSO specifically about burial allowances, headstone/marker benefits, burial flags, memorial certificates, and cemetery eligibility national or state.
File within two years of burial to stay within the VA's deadline for allowance claims.
Follow up ask the VSO for a copy of everything submitted and a claim number so you can track status.