VA Will Pay for Your Spouse’s Funeral — But Only If You Know This One Rule

Losing your partner — especially someone who proudly served this country — is one of the hardest things life can throw at you. On top of the grief, there’s often a whirlwind of decisions to make, and figuring out what kind of help you can get from the VA shouldn’t add more stress.

So let’s talk about something many surviving spouses wonder:
Do I have to file paperwork to get help with funeral or burial costs?

Here’s the honest, straightforward answer:
If you’re already listed as your spouse’s surviving partner in the VA system, the money might come automatically.
No forms. No stress. Just help — right when you need it.

Here’s What the VA Typically Covers

When a Veteran passes away, the VA can step in to help cover some of the costs — it’s called a burial allowance, and it’s their way of honoring the service your loved one gave.

Depending on the situation:

• If your partner’s death was connected to their service, the VA can cover up to $2,000.

• If the death wasn’t service-related, they’ll still help out:

  • Around $978 to help with the funeral itself.

  • Another $978 for the burial plot, if you’re not using a VA cemetery.

If your loved one is buried in a VA national cemetery, there’s no cost for the plot, the grave opening, or the headstone. The VA handles it.

So, Do You Need to File a Claim?

In many cases, you don’t need to do anything. If the VA already knows you’re the spouse, they’ll take care of it once they’re notified about the death.

But — and this is important — if they don’t have you listed correctly, or if someone else paid the funeral bill (like another family member or a funeral home), you might need to file a claim to get reimbursed.

That means filling out a form (called VA Form 21P-530EZ) and sending in some documents like the death certificate, discharge papers, and funeral receipts. It’s not super complicated, but it’s helpful to know when it’s needed.

What Else Can You Get?

There’s more than just financial help:

• A free headstone or grave marker.

• A Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor their service.

• Bereavement counseling, if you need it.

• And burial in a VA cemetery — with full honors and no out-of-pocket cost.

If you’re the surviving spouse, you might not need to do anything at all to get burial help. The VA has tried to make this easier, so families aren’t stuck dealing with forms when they’re grieving.

But if you’re not sure, or if something feels unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out. The VA’s number is 800-827-1000, and there are lots of organizations that can walk you through it step-by-step — at no cost.

You’re not alone in this. And your loved one’s service won’t be forgotten.