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Veterans

Indigent Veterans and Unclaimed Remains

Reimbursement may be available for indigent Veterans and unclaimed remains. Indigent Veterans are those who do not enough resources available in their estate to cover the burial and funeral expenses when they pass away. Unclaimed remains occur when Veterans pass away and are not claimed by relatives, friends, and/or a legal representative.

Burial Benefits that May Be Available for Unclaimed Veterans

National Cemetery

If the Veteran is buried in a national cemetery, reimbursement may be available for the following:

  • Reimbursement for the cost of a casket or urn

  • Reimbursement for transportation to the closest national cemetery

  • Burial allowance

To arrange burial for in any VA national cemetery with available space, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117

VA-Funded State or Tribal Veterans’ Cemetery

If the Veteran is buried in a VA-funded state or tribal Veterans’ cemetery, reimbursement may be available for the following:

Please note, reimbursement for transportation to the closest state or tribal cemetery is not available until Jan. 5, 2023.

Private Cemetery

If the Veteran is buried in a private cemetery, reimbursement may be available for the following:

  • Burial allowance

  • Plot or interment allowance

Veterans buried in a private cemetery may be entitled to a headstone or marker. To apply, complete a Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker or Marker or Claim for Government Medallion for a Placement in a Private Cemetery

How to Apply for Burial Benefits

  • An individual or entity, that pays for the casket or urn used for an unclaimed Veteran in a VA national cemetery, VA-funded state or tribal Veterans cemetery may apply for reimbursement of the purchase price using a Request for Reimbursement of Casket/Urn form.

  • Applicants should annotate “unclaimed remains” to define relationship to the Veteran when completing the Application for Burial Benefits. Use one VA Form to apply for both the transportation reimbursement and burial allowance benefits

  • Any individual or entity that pays for the transportation of an unclaimed Veteran’s remains to a national cemetery for burial may apply for reimbursement of the costs using Application for Burial Benefits

  • If a Veteran dies while at a VA facility under authorized VA admission, and the remains are unclaimed, the facility director ensures proper burial for the Veteran, or

  • If a Veteran dies at a non-VA facility under authorized admission at VA’s expense, contact the VA toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 to arrange for proper burial of the unclaimed Veteran.

How to Get Assistance

Each VA Regional Office has an Indigent Veterans and Unclaimed Remains Outreach Coordinator that can help you learn more about available benefits.

To find your local coordinator, please visit the nearest VA Regional Office or call the VA's Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.

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