The VA burial allowance is a one-time payment to help cover a veteran's funeral and burial costs. The VA death pension, sometimes called the survivor's pension, is an ongoing monthly benefit paid to a surviving spouse or dependent child of a wartime veteran with limited income. They serve different purposes, have different eligibility rules, and are applied for separately. A family may qualify for one or both, depending on the circumstances.

What Is the VA Burial Allowance and What Does It Cover?

The VA burial allowance (also called the service-connected or non-service-connected burial allowance) is a lump-sum reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses. As of 2024, the maximum allowance for a non-service-connected death is around $948, while a service-connected death may qualify for up to $2,000 or more. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the current rates on the VA website before filing.

This benefit helps offset costs like:

  • Funeral home services and casket or urn
  • Transportation of remains
  • Burial plot or cremation costs
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • Headstone or marker

Families who choose a state veterans cemetery may also benefit from perpetual care fee waivers, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses further. Some states offer additional burial allowances on top of the federal benefit for example, Wyoming provides burial allowances specifically for Gold Star families.

What Is the VA Death Pension and Who Receives It?

The VA death pension is a needs-based monthly payment for the surviving spouse or unmarried dependent child of a deceased wartime veteran. It is not a lump sum. Instead, it provides steady income support over time to help cover living expenses.

To qualify, the survivor must have countable income below the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) set by Congress. The VA counts income from most sources, including Social Security, but subtracts certain unreimbursed medical expenses. A surviving spouse with very low income and high medical costs may qualify for a higher "Housebound" or "Aid and Attendance" rate.

Key eligibility points:

  • The veteran must have served during a period of war (even one day of active wartime service counts)
  • The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
  • The survivor's income must fall below the VA's MAPR threshold
  • The survivor must not have remarried (in most cases)

How Are the Two Benefits Different?

Families often confuse these two benefits because both relate to a veteran's death. Here's a side-by-side breakdown:

Purpose

The burial allowance is meant to help pay for funeral and burial costs. The death pension is meant to provide ongoing income support to a surviving spouse or child after the veteran's passing.

Payment Type

The burial allowance is a one-time payment. The death pension is a monthly payment that continues as long as the survivor remains eligible.

Who Can Apply

The burial allowance can be claimed by the veteran's surviving spouse, a family member, or even the person who paid for the funeral. The death pension is only available to the surviving spouse or unmarried dependent child of the veteran.

Income Requirements

The burial allowance generally has no income test for service-connected deaths. For non-service-connected deaths, the veteran must not have been already receiving a VA pension at the time of death that's the main financial condition. The death pension, on the other hand, is entirely income-based. If a survivor's income is too high, they won't qualify regardless of the veteran's service.

Service Requirements

The burial allowance requires the veteran to have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Wartime service is not always required for burial benefits. The death pension requires wartime service, which is a stricter standard.

Can a Family Receive Both the Burial Allowance and the Death Pension?

Yes. These are separate benefits, and qualifying for one does not disqualify you from the other. A surviving spouse with limited income could apply for the burial allowance to cover funeral costs and also apply for the monthly death pension for ongoing support.

Families who also use a national or state cemetery for burial may find additional savings through burial plot benefits. For instance, Ohio offers cemetery plot benefits for veteran families that can be used alongside the federal burial allowance. Surviving parents of veterans may also have state-specific burial benefits worth exploring.

How Much Does Each Benefit Pay?

Here's a general comparison (always verify current rates with the VA):

  • Burial allowance (non-service-connected): Up to $948 (plus possible plot allowance)
  • Burial allowance (service-connected): Up to $2,000 or more
  • Death pension (surviving spouse, no dependents): Up to roughly $17,743/year (varies by income and medical deductions)
  • Death pension with Aid and Attendance: Higher rate for survivors who need help with daily activities

The death pension amount is reduced dollar-for-dollar by countable income, so the actual payment depends on the individual's financial situation.

What Common Mistakes Do Families Make?

Missing the deadline. The burial allowance must be claimed within two years of the veteran's burial or cremation. Families who wait too long may lose the benefit entirely.

Assuming income is too high for the death pension. Many survivors don't realize that unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted from countable income. A surviving spouse who pays for home care, prescriptions, or assisted living may qualify after deductions even if their raw income looks too high.

Not filing for both. Some families apply for the burial allowance but never explore the death pension, or vice versa. Since these benefits are independent, it makes sense to check eligibility for each one.

Confusing the death pension with DIC. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a separate benefit for survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. DIC has no income limit and is often more generous than the pension. Families should check whether DIC applies before settling for the pension.

Forgetting about state-level benefits. Federal benefits are only part of the picture. Many states offer their own burial allowances, cemetery benefits, or funeral honors. Checking what your state provides alongside federal benefits can save significant money. You can also request military honors at the funeral ceremony at no cost, which is a separate benefit families sometimes overlook.

How Do You Apply for These Benefits?

For the Burial Allowance

  1. Fill out VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits)
  2. Gather the veteran's DD-214 or discharge papers
  3. Include a copy of the death certificate
  4. Attach itemized funeral and burial receipts
  5. Submit by mail to the VA regional pension management center or file online through VA.gov

For the Death Pension

  1. Fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits)
  2. Provide proof of the veteran's wartime service
  3. Include financial information: income, assets, and medical expenses
  4. Submit the application through VA.gov, by mail, or with help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

Helpful Tips for Filing

  • Work with a VSO representative (like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV) they offer free help with claims and understand the process well
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • File as soon as possible after the veteran's death to avoid missing deadlines
  • If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal don't assume a denial is final

Quick Checklist: Which Benefit Should You Apply For?

  • Did you pay for the veteran's funeral or burial? → Apply for the burial allowance using VA Form 21P-530
  • Are you a surviving spouse or dependent child with limited income? → Apply for the death pension using VA Form 21P-534EZ
  • Did the veteran die from a service-connected condition? → Check eligibility for DIC first it may pay more than the pension
  • Are you unsure which benefit applies? → Contact a VSO for free guidance on your specific situation
  • Have you checked your state's veteran burial benefits? → Many states offer additional allowances or cemetery benefits that stack with federal benefits

Next step: Gather the veteran's DD-214, death certificate, and funeral receipts. If you don't have the DD-214, you can request it for free through the National Archives. Then contact your local VA regional office or a Veterans Service Organization to walk through your eligibility for both the burial allowance and the death pension. Filing for both at the same time can save you weeks of waiting.