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2025 VA Burial Benefit Updates for Veterans

Explore the 2025 updates to VA burial and benefit amounts, including increased burial allowances, cremation coverage, and housing grants for veterans and families.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced updated burial and benefit amounts for 2025, offering enhanced financial support for Veterans and their families. These changes build on significant adjustments made in 2023, which included the largest cost-of-living increase in decades. You can learn more about the 2023 VA benefit changes here.  

Updated VA Burial Benefits for 2025  

VA burial benefits help families honor their loved ones while alleviating financial stress. For 2025, the burial benefits are now:  

  • Service-Connected Death – Burial Allowance: $2,000  
  • Non-Service-Connected Death Burial Allowance: $978 (for Veterans who passed away on or after October 1, 2024)  
  • Non-Service-Connected Death Plot Allowance: $978  
  • Headstone or Marker Allowance: $231 (if not provided by the VA)  


Burial Benefits Cover Cremation, Too 

Veterans and their families increasingly choose cremation as a dignified and often more cost-effective option. The burial allowance can be applied toward cremation expenses, including the cremation itself, funeral or memorial service costs, and even transportation of the remains to a final resting place.

The VA offers columbarium niches, scattering gardens, or ground burial for cremated remains within national cemeteries. Qualifying Veterans may also receive a government-provided headstone, marker, or niche plaque. Families may receive transportation reimbursement for moving the remains to a VA cemetery or another resting place if the veteran meets eligibility requirements.

Eligibility and Application Guidelines for Burial or Cremation Benefits

Families must apply for burial or cremation benefits within two years of a non-service-connected death. However, there is no time limit for service-connected death claims or transportation benefits. Families are encouraged to work with a funeral provider familiar with VA benefits to simplify the process.

Tulip Is a Veteran’s Funeral Specialist Provider

Tulip is a certified Veteran’s Funeral Specialist. We are trained and certified to ensure Veterans receive all the benefits, assistance, certificates, and awards available upon passing. Tulip is committed to continually improving the support and care available to America’s Veterans. 

Planning Ahead with VA Benefits  

VA burial benefits are reimbursed after a Veteran’s passing, but that doesn’t mean families can’t plan ahead. Veterans and their families can use pre-need eligibility to ensure their wishes are met, whether choosing burial in a national cemetery or cremation. Preplanning provides clarity, peace of mind, and financial preparation, making difficult times easier for loved ones.  

[Sympathy Gift Ideas for Veterans]

Additional VA Benefit Updates

In addition to increased burial allowances, the VA has boosted other areas of financial support for qualifying Veterans. 

Expanded Housing Adaptability Grants  

The VA continues to support Veterans with disabilities through increased Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants for 2025:  

  • SAH Grant: Up to $117,014 for building, buying, or adapting homes or paying down debts for house remodeling.  
  • SHA Grant: Up to $23,444 for adapting a residence to meet specific needs or acquiring a pre-adapted home.  

These grants help Veterans live independently and comfortably, providing vital resources for adapting their homes to accommodate service-connected disabilities.  

Automobile Allowance  

Veterans with service-connected disabilities that limit mobility may qualify for a one-time automobile allowance of $26,417.20. This allowance covers the purchase of a specially adapted vehicle for Veterans who meet eligibility requirements, such as loss of mobility or vision impairments.  

Clothing Allowance

Veterans using prosthetic or orthopedic appliances due to service-connected disabilities can receive an annual allowance of $1,024.50 to replace damaged clothing.  

Medal of Honor Pensions

Medal of Honor recipients now receive $1,712.94 monthly, reflecting their extraordinary service.  

For more information about VA burial benefits and other programs for Veterans, visit the official VA website.