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How-to · Benefits & money

Apply for a VA burial allowance and transport refund

VA can pay back part of a Veteran's burial, funeral and plot costs, plus transport of remains to a national cemetery, if no one else reimburses you.

Steps

5 steps
  1. Check that you qualifyYou must be paying the costs with no other reimbursement, and meet the relationship and Veteran requirements.
  2. Check the filing deadlineIf the death was not service connected, file within 2 years of burial unless an exception applies.
  3. Gather your documentsYou may need the death certificate and, if you paid for transport, an itemized receipt.
  4. Apply onlineUse the online application for VA Form 21P-530EZ.
  5. Or mail the paper applicationFill out VA Form 21P-530EZ and mail it with copies of supporting documents to the Pension Intake Center in Janesville, WI.

Bring

  • Veteran's death certificate
  • Itemized transport receipt, if you paid
  • Veteran's DD214 (recommended)
Eligible surviving spouses listed on the Veteran's VA profile are paid automatically and need not file.

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