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What does the VA pay when a veteran dies?
By Mickie Byrd, licensed Texas life insurance agent (NPN 22277248) · last reviewed 2026-07-11
Burial in a VA national cemetery costs the family nothing. That covers the grave, the opening and closing, and a grave liner. It also covers a headstone or marker and a burial flag. For a veteran who qualifies, these honors come at no charge to the family.
Texas has four state veterans cemeteries as well. They are run by the Texas Veterans Land Board. They offer similar honors to the national cemeteries. So a family in Texas often has more than one place close to home to consider.
For veterans who qualify, the VA also pays a burial allowance toward a private funeral. Whether it applies, and how much, depends on the veteran's situation. These amounts change over time, so the current published rates are posted on VA.gov. A funeral home can look them up with the family.
A veteran does not rest alone. Most spouses and some dependents can be buried in a national cemetery with the veteran. The rules on who qualifies are set by the VA. A national cemetery office can tell a family who may be buried there.
One paper does most of this work: the DD-214, the discharge record. The funeral home and the VA both ask for it. If it is lost, the National Archives can send a replacement, but that takes time a grieving week does not have. Keeping the DD-214 where family can find it is a small act that spares them a scramble.
Common questions
- What does a VA national cemetery burial cost?
- Nothing to the family for the grave, the opening and closing, a grave liner, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag.
- Can a spouse be buried with the veteran?
- Usually. Most spouses and some dependents can be buried in a national cemetery with the veteran. A cemetery office can confirm who qualifies.
- What if we cannot find the DD-214?
- The National Archives can send a replacement. It takes time, so it helps to keep the original where the family can reach it.
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