What VA Benefits Are Available for Veterans at End of Life?

The short answer: Veterans at end of life are entitled to a range of VA benefits including hospice care through the VA, burial in a national cemetery, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and survivor benefits for their families — but many veterans and families do not know to ask.

VA Hospice and Palliative Care

Enrolled veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare can access VA hospice and palliative care benefits. VA hospice is available in several settings: at home through the VA Home-Based Primary Care program; in VA Community Living Centers (CLCs, formerly called VA nursing homes); in contracted community hospice programs paid by the VA; and in VA inpatient units. Veterans do not need to be service-connected for a terminal illness to access VA hospice — they simply need to be enrolled in VA healthcare. Hospice is a covered benefit at no cost to the enrolled veteran.

Burial Benefits for Veterans

All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, including: the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, liner, headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Spouses and dependent children may also be buried in a national cemetery at no cost. The VA has 155 national cemeteries across the United States. To apply, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 or have the funeral director coordinate.

Burial Allowances

For veterans who die of a service-connected disability, the VA provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral costs. For non-service-connected deaths, a burial allowance is available if the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, or if the death occurred in a VA facility. Amounts vary by circumstances and are updated periodically — contact the VA regional benefits office for current rates.

Military Funeral Honors

All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to military funeral honors — at minimum a folded American flag and the playing of Taps (live or recorded). Full honors including a rifle volley are available through local military installations. The funeral director typically coordinates these honors by contacting the Department of Defense Military Funeral Honors program.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

The Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved parchment certificate bearing the President's signature that honors a deceased veteran's service. Eligible recipients include the veteran's next of kin and loved ones. Apply through the VA or have the funeral director assist.

Survivor Benefits

Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans may be eligible for: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran died from a service-connected condition; Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity if the veteran had elected it during service; VA pension benefits for low-income surviving spouses; and VA Vet Center counseling for surviving family members. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like DAV, VFW, or American Legion can help surviving families navigate these benefits at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hospice free for veterans through the VA?

Yes. Enrolled veterans eligible for VA healthcare receive hospice as a fully covered benefit at no cost. VA hospice is available at home, in VA community living centers, and through contracted community hospice agencies.

Can a veteran be buried in a national cemetery for free?

Yes. All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, including the gravesite, headstone, and perpetual care. Spouses and dependent children may also be buried at no cost.

What is the VA burial allowance?

The VA burial allowance helps cover funeral costs for eligible veterans. Amounts vary by circumstances: service-connected death, non-service-connected death receiving VA pension/compensation, and death in a VA facility each have different allowances. Contact the VA regional benefits office for current rates.

What military funeral honors are veterans entitled to?

All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to a folded American flag and Taps at their funeral. Full honors including a rifle volley are available through military installations. Funeral directors typically coordinate these through the DoD Military Funeral Honors program.

What survivor benefits are available for the spouse of a deceased veteran?

Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for service-connected deaths, Survivor Benefit Plan annuity, VA pension for low-income survivors, and free grief counseling through VA Vet Centers. A Veterans Service Organization can help navigate benefits at no charge.

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