U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: What to Do When a Veteran Passes Away
Losing someone who served in the military brings unique responsibilities. One important step is to notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to stop benefits and explore burial assistance options. Handling this quickly can help prevent overpayments and ensure your family receives any eligible support.
The problem is that the VA does not get notified of a death automatically. Without proper reporting, payments may continue to be sent to the veteran’s name. These must be returned and can complicate the settlement of the estate. In addition, valuable burial benefits can go unclaimed if no one applies for them.
What you need to do:
Report the Death to the VA
Unlike Social Security, there is no automatic sharing of death records with the VA. It is your responsibility or that of another family representative to let them know.
Start by calling the VA to report the death:
• For more resources and forms, visit www.va.gov
When you call, have this information ready:
• Full name of the veteran
• Social Security number or VA file number
• Date of death
• Branch of service and dates served (if available)
If the veteran was receiving VA benefits such as a pension or disability compensation, those payments will stop once the death is reported. Any funds sent after the date of death must be returned. Surviving spouses or dependents may also be eligible for certain benefits, so ask about that when you call.
Burial Benefits and Reimbursement Options
The VA offers a range of burial and memorial benefits, but none are automatic. You must apply for them, and eligibility varies based on factors like whether the death was service-related and the burial location.
Common VA burial benefits include:
• Burial Allowance: Partial reimbursement of funeral, burial, and transportation costs. The amount depends on service connection and circumstances.
• Burial in a VA National Cemetery: Eligible veterans, spouses, and some dependents may receive burial in a national cemetery, including a gravesite, headstone, and perpetual care at no cost.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate: A personalized certificate signed by the President to honor the veteran’s service.
• Headstones or Markers: Provided free of charge even for burials in private cemeteries.
To apply for these benefits, submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) or start an application online at www.va.gov.
Helpful Tip: If the veteran was under the care of a VA medical center physician, that doctor may also notify the VA, but you should confirm to avoid any missed steps.
Bottom Line:
• Call 1-800-827-1000 to report the veteran’s death to the VA.
• Stop benefit payments to prevent overpayments.
• Ask about surviving dependent benefits.
• Apply for burial allowances and memorial options through www.va.gov.
Taking these steps early can make the process easier for your family and ensure that your loved one’s service is properly honored.
