If your spouse was a veteran and has passed away, you may be eligible for burial benefits through the VA and your state government. These benefits can include a burial allowance, a free grave in a national or state veterans cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Eligibility depends on the veteran's discharge status, whether the death was service-connected, and which state you live in because many states offer their own benefits on top of what the federal VA provides.

What Are Veteran Burial Benefits for Surviving Spouses?

Veteran burial benefits are payments, services, and honors provided when a veteran dies. As a surviving spouse, you can apply for these on behalf of your late husband or wife. The VA pays a burial and funeral allowance that varies depending on whether the death was connected to military service. For non-service-connected deaths in 2024, the VA pays up to $948 toward burial and funeral costs if the veteran was hospitalized by the VA at the time of death, or up to $300 if the veteran was not hospitalized by the VA. For service-connected deaths, the allowance can reach $2,000 or more.

On top of the cash allowance, eligible veterans receive a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost. A surviving spouse may also be eligible for interment in a national veterans cemetery alongside the veteran, even if the spouse passes away later.

Who Qualifies as a Surviving Spouse for These Benefits?

The VA defines a surviving spouse as a person who was legally married to the veteran at the time of death. This includes:

• Remarried spouses who did not remarry before January 1, 1971 (in some benefit contexts), though rules vary by benefit type
• Common-law spouses in states that recognize common-law marriage
• Same-sex spouses whose marriages are legally recognized
• Surviving spouses of veterans buried in state veterans cemeteries who may reserve an adjacent plot

The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. A dishonorable discharge disqualifies the veteran and by extension, the surviving spouse from all VA burial benefits.

Does the Federal VA Burial Allowance Cover Everything?

No. The VA burial allowance is a one-time payment meant to offset costs, not cover them entirely. A national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. The VA allowance of $300 to $2,000 leaves a significant gap. This is why state-level benefits matter. Some states provide additional burial allowances, free or reduced-cost cemetery plots, or even funeral expense programs for qualifying families. You can see a full comparison of how funeral costs break down across states to understand where extra help is most needed.

How Do State-Level Veteran Burial Benefits Differ?

States set their own rules for burial benefits. Some offer generous supplemental allowances. Others provide cemetery access but limited financial help. Here is how eligibility and benefits vary across several key states:

California

California operates multiple state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility mirrors federal VA rules the veteran must have been a California resident at the time of death or have been a resident at the time of entry into service. Surviving spouses can be buried in a state veterans cemetery if space is available. The state does not offer a separate burial allowance beyond federal benefits.

Texas

Texas runs four state veterans cemeteries and offers free burial for veterans and eligible dependents, including surviving spouses. The state also provides a Texas Veterans Land Board program that can help with related costs. Residency requirements apply.

New York

New York operates two state veterans cemeteries. Surviving spouses are eligible for burial in these cemeteries. The state offers a burial allowance of up to $6,000 for indigent veterans through county-level programs, though this is not specifically for surviving spouses. Eligibility depends on county of residence and income limits.

Oregon

Oregon provides state-level memorial service programs that go beyond federal offerings. If you are a surviving spouse in Oregon, the state veterans cemetery system and local programs may cover specific costs. You can learn more about Oregon's veteran memorial service programs for details on what is available to families.

Colorado

Colorado operates several veterans cemeteries managed at the county level. Interment eligibility and available services can differ depending on which county the veteran or surviving spouse lived in. For a detailed look at how this works, see Colorado veteran cemetery interment services by county.

Tennessee

Tennessee offers a dedicated burial allowance for combat veterans that surviving spouses may apply for. The state has specific eligibility criteria tied to combat service documentation. If your spouse served in a combat zone, review the Tennessee veteran burial allowance for combat veterans to see if your family qualifies.

Virginia

Virginia runs three state veterans cemeteries. Surviving spouses can be buried alongside the veteran at no charge for the plot and opening/closing costs. The state does not provide a separate cash burial allowance but coordinates closely with VA benefits.

Florida

Florida operates four state veterans cemeteries. Burial is free for veterans, and surviving spouses pay a reduced fee for the plot and interment. Florida does not offer a supplemental state burial allowance.

Illinois

Illinois runs five veterans cemeteries. Surviving spouses are eligible for burial. The state also provides a $1,400 burial allowance for eligible indigent veterans through county veterans assistance commissions, which may indirectly help surviving spouses managing the estate.

Ohio

Ohio operates two state veterans cemeteries. Eligible surviving spouses can be interred at no cost. Ohio also offers county-level veterans service commissions that may provide emergency burial assistance of up to $1,500.

How Do I Apply for VA Burial Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?

You apply using VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits). Submit it along with:

• The veteran's DD-214 or other discharge documents
• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof of your marriage (marriage certificate)
• Itemized funeral bills and receipts

You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to the regional VA pension management center, or in person at a VA regional office. You have no deadline to file, but filing within two years of the veteran's burial date helps avoid complications. Some state programs have their own filing deadlines, which are often shorter.

What if the Veteran Was Not Buried in a National Cemetery?

You can still receive the VA burial allowance regardless of where the veteran is buried a private cemetery, a church cemetery, or a family plot. You can also still request a government headstone or marker and a burial flag. Choosing a national or state veterans cemetery gives you free interment, but it is not required to receive the cash allowance.

Can a Surviving Spouse Be Buried in a Veterans Cemetery?

Yes. In most national veterans cemeteries, a surviving spouse can be buried alongside the veteran even if the spouse dies years later. The spouse does not need to be a veteran. This benefit is free and includes the grave, headstone, and perpetual care. Some state cemeteries allow the same others charge a reduced fee or have limited space.

Common Mistakes Surviving Spouses Make

• Not keeping the DD-214 accessible. Without the veteran's discharge papers, you cannot prove eligibility. Request a copy from the National Archives if you do not have one.
• Assuming VA benefits cover the full funeral cost. They do not. Plan for the gap and check state-specific veteran funeral benefits for additional help.
• Missing state filing deadlines. While the VA has no filing deadline, many state and county programs do sometimes as short as 30 or 60 days after burial.
• Not checking state veterans cemetery availability. National cemeteries can have waitlists. State cemeteries sometimes have shorter waits and may be closer to your home.
• Failing to request the headstone separately. The VA does not automatically send one. You must request it using VA Form 40-1330.
• Forgetting to ask about plot-preparation allowances. If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA pays an additional plot allowance in some cases.

What Benefits Does a Surviving Spouse Get for a Service-Connected Death?

If the veteran died from a service-connected condition, the burial allowance is higher. As of 2024, the VA pays up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths. The VA also reimburses the cost of transporting the remains to a national cemetery if one is not available nearby. Additionally, the surviving spouse may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a monthly benefit for life.

How Long Does It Take to Receive VA Burial Benefits?

Processing times vary. On average, the VA takes 60 to 120 days to process a burial benefits claim. If the veteran had an active VA claim or pension at the time of death, processing may be faster because records are already on file. Filing online at VA.gov tends to be quicker than mailing paper forms.

Quick Checklist for Surviving Spouses Applying for Burial Benefits

1. Locate the veteran's DD-214 or request a copy from the National Archives
2. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
3. Gather your marriage certificate
4. Collect itemized funeral and burial receipts
5. File VA Form 21P-530EZ online, by mail, or in person
6. Request the government headstone, marker, or medallion using VA Form 40-1330 if not handled by the funeral home
7. Contact your state veterans affairs office to ask about state-specific burial allowances and cemetery eligibility
8. Check your county veterans service commission for emergency or supplemental burial funds
9. Ask the funeral home many are experienced with VA paperwork and can file on your behalf
10. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records

Start by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visiting your nearest VA regional office. Many states also have veteran service organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV that will help you file claims at no charge.