The VA’s benefits can be difficult to navigate, particularly when it comes to cremation. More veterans and their families are searching for answers about their benefits as they opt for cremation in lieu of more traditional options.
The VA’s language around cremation can be somewhat confusing. Regardless of whether you or your family have selected cremation or burial, the VA describes all death benefits as “burial benefits” or “burial allowance.” Throughout this article, our language reflects the VA’s description. Whenever we discuss “VA burial benefits,” we’re talking about cremation benefits too.
At Batesville, we’re dedicated to serving veterans and their families. With this article, our goal is to provide you with resources to help you understand VA benefits for cremation.
Of course, the best resource will always be your local funeral professional—they will work with you or your family directly, serving as an expert on your individual benefits from the VA and beyond. Whether you’re pre-planning your own funeral or working on behalf of a loved one after death, you can trust your funeral home to guide you.
One of the most common questions we’ve seen is very direct—does the VA pay for cremation? As it turns out, the answer to that question isn’t so simple. The short answer is the VA won’t pay for cremation directly, but the family of the veteran may be eligible for reimbursement.
All veteran burial benefits work on a reimbursement basis. To qualify for reimbursement, the family must first have paid for a funeral, burial or cremation. That means all upfront costs will fall on the decedent’s family.
However, not all veterans are eligible to be reimbursed by VA burial benefits. To qualify, the veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged. The VA provides a flat rate of $300 to all qualifying veterans. If the veteran’s death was service related, the family may be reimbursed up to $2,000. Reimbursement amounts will differ based on a variety of factors, including service dates. Reference the VA’s burial allowance tables for more specific information.
Many veterans are also eligible for a military plaque or urn. However, it’s important to note that if you do choose one of these options, the individual will no longer be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, headstone, marker, or medallion. For these reasons, many veterans and their families don’t opt for a VA-provided urn or plaque. Instead, they may select from Batesville’s selection of urns, customizing their selection to reflect the life of their loved one—including military service.
here’s a variety of options for veterans when it comes to interment, like a VA cemetery, public cemetery or in-home placement for cremains—and, of course, ceremonial scattering.
VA Cemetary
Burial in a VA cemetery is accompanied by a variety of benefits, including a gravesite or niche, opening and closing of the grave or niche, a headstone or marker, and ongoing care of the gravesite. These benefits are provided at no cost to the family.
However, the family and their funeral home will need to handle cremation and pick an urn for the veteran. Work with your funeral professional to ensure you decide on an appropriate urn for niche placement in a VA cemetery.
Be aware that not all VA cemeteries can provide burial for cremains. Work with your funeral professional to ensure that you’ve selected the best location for your needs.
Public Cemetary
The veteran and their family can opt for a public cemetery, like a church or traditional family site. If so, they’re eligible for a headstone or marker provided by the VA if a military urn or plaque isn’t requested.
If the veteran or their family pick a non-military marker, they are eligible for a medallion to be attached to that marker if they didn’t receive a military urn.
Not all public cemeteries offer burial for cremains. Your funeral professional will provide guidance to help you decide on the correct cemetery for you or your loved one.
In-Home Placement
In-home placement is a powerful option for many families. Being able to keep their loved one close can provide peace of mind and comfort. If you decide to keep cremains in the home, the VA-provided urn or plaque is an excellent option to reflect your loved one’s service.
The VA urn isn’t right for every veteran or family. Batesville offers a diverse selection of urns and remembrance items if you prefer a different style of urn or desire multiple urns to share cremains among family members and loved ones.
Ceremonial Scattering
If ceremonial scattering is the right choice for the veteran and their family, Batesville offers a variety of options, including the Patriot Scattering Tube and multiple biodegradable options.
For some families of veterans, cremation is the right choice. The VA’s burial benefits make it more affordable but may not cover the full costs of cremation and service. It’s important to work with your funeral professional to find the right selection for your family and budget.
Searching for a trustworthy funeral home in your area? Batesville’s funeral home locator is the perfect place to start.
If you need more information about veteran burial benefits or planning a funeral for a veteran, read our resources for veterans.
VA burial benefits do apply to cremation but may not cover the full cost.
The VA’s burial benefit may not completely cover the full cost of cremation. However, some nonprofits may offer additional financial assistance.
Cremation costs vary significantly by region and city. Veteran cremation cost will not change significantly from that of non-veterans. According to NFDA’S 2023 Member General Price List Study, the average cost of cremation is between $2,000 and $5,000—but some direct cremation services may cost as little as $50 in some regions.
