VA Burial Benefits in Pennsylvania: What Veterans' Families Receive
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quick Answer
The VA provides eligible Pennsylvania veterans with free burial in national cemeteries, headstones or markers, burial flags, and up to $300 plot allowance if buried elsewhere. Pennsylvania supplements this with access to state veterans cemeteries. Surviving spouses and dependent children may also qualify. Eligibility requires honorable discharge and service on active duty.
Key Facts
- •VA provides free burial in national cemeteries for eligible veterans and dependents.
- •Pennsylvania offers state veterans cemeteries in addition to federal burial options.
- •Headstones, markers, and burial flags are provided at no cost to qualifying veterans.
- •Surviving spouses and dependent children may also receive VA burial benefits.
- •Apply through VA.gov or your county veterans service office.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
Eligible veterans must have been discharged under honorable or general conditions from active duty service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Service-connected disability veterans, those who die on active duty, and veterans who were receiving VA disability compensation or pension at time of death automatically qualify under 38 U.S.C. § 2402. Veterans who served during wartime or peacetime may be eligible, including those from all service eras: World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 service.
Discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent) must show separation under honorable or general discharge conditions. Dishonorable discharge or dismissal disqualifies applicants. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans qualify if they have not remarried. Unmarried dependent children under age 23 (or under age 25 if in VA-approved school) are eligible.
There are no income or asset limits for VA burial benefits. The benefits apply regardless of financial need. Dependents may receive benefits even if the veteran's estate is substantial. National cemetery burial is available at no cost; if burial occurs in a private cemetery, the VA provides a $300 plot allowance under 38 U.S.C. § 2402.
Eligible benefits include: burial in a national cemetery at no charge, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care of the grave, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Cremation is permitted, and cremated remains receive the same benefits as traditional burial.
Benefit Amounts
For fiscal year 2024: Plot allowance of $300 for veterans buried in private cemeteries (reimbursement). No charge for burial in VA national cemeteries. Headstones and markers are provided at no cost. Burial flags are provided at no cost. Presidential Memorial Certificates are provided at no cost. The $300 plot allowance is adjusted annually but has remained at $300 for several years. No annual COLA adjustment applies to this fixed allowance.
Pennsylvania Benefits on Top of Federal
Pennsylvania provides significant state-level burial benefits that complement federal offerings. The state operates four Pennsylvania Veterans Cemeteries located in Indiantown Gap, Washington Crossing, Laurelwood, and Northampton that offer free burial plots exclusively to eligible veterans and their families. These state cemeteries provide perpetual care and professional grounds maintenance at no cost.
Pennsylvania-buried veterans are eligible for additional state grave markers if they choose not to use federal markers. The state veteran population can access cemetery benefits through the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which coordinates with county veterans service offices statewide. Pennsylvania also provides a veterans burial allowance program that supplements federal benefits for burials in non-participating private cemeteries, though this is primarily informational rather than an additional monetary benefit beyond the federal $300.
The state of Pennsylvania recognizes all honorably discharged veterans regardless of service era. Veterans buried in Pennsylvania state cemeteries receive flag presentation ceremonies conducted by honor guards affiliated with the state or local veterans organizations. Pennsylvania allows spouses of deceased veterans to claim benefits if the spouse was married to the veteran at time of death and has not remarried. Dependent children receive the same burial benefits as spouses.
Pennsylvania coordinates closely with the VA to prevent duplicate benefits while maximizing what families receive. If a veteran is buried in a Pennsylvania state cemetery, no federal plot allowance is needed since burial is free. Veterans and families choosing private cemetery burial can claim the federal $300 plot allowance regardless of whether they are Pennsylvania residents, though Pennsylvania residents have priority access to state cemetery plots.
Free burial plot in Pennsylvania state cemetery (no charge). Free perpetual grave care and maintenance at state cemeteries. State grave marker provided at no additional cost. Professional landscaping and grounds upkeep included. Veterans buried in state facilities incur zero burial costs if eligible.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
Apply for VA burial benefits at VA.gov/burials-memorials or by calling the VA toll-free line at 1-800-827-1000. No specific form is required to apply; instead, the VA typically processes burial benefits when notified of a veteran's death through funeral homes, national cemeteries, or family members.
When a veteran dies, contact the funeral home handling arrangements and inform them of the veteran's military service. The funeral director can submit necessary documentation to the VA on your behalf. Alternatively, contact your nearest VA national cemetery directly or call the cemetery where you wish burial. If applying without a funeral home, gather the veteran's DD-214 (Certificate of Discharge) or other military service documentation.
Documents needed include: DD-214 or Certificate of Discharge showing honorable/general discharge; death certificate; and proof of the veteran's identity. For surviving spouse or dependent benefits, provide marriage certificate or birth certificates establishing relationships. Submit documents via mail to the VA Benefits Disability regional office or through a cemetery directly.
Processing typically occurs within 30 days after the VA receives complete documentation. For burial at VA national cemeteries, contact the specific cemetery where burial is planned. For private cemetery burial with plot allowance claim, submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) to your regional VA office. You can track your application status through eBenefits.va.gov with your login credentials.
State Application
For Pennsylvania state cemetery burial, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Commission (SSMC) at www.dmva.pa.gov or call 717-861-8910. The state operates cemeteries at Indiantown Gap (Annville), Washington Crossing (Newtown), Laurelwood (York), and Northampton (Nazareth).
To apply for state burial benefits, submit a completed application through the SSMC office, available at dmva.pa.gov or by phone request. Required documentation includes the veteran's DD-214, death certificate, proof of Pennsylvania residency or family connection, and military identification or discharge papers. Some cemeteries accept applications before death to pre-plan burial arrangements.
Visit or call the specific cemetery where you wish burial; staff will guide you through the Pennsylvania-specific process. County veterans service offices in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties can assist with applications and documentation gathering at no charge. These offices are located throughout the state and provide free counseling on burial options.
Processing time for Pennsylvania state cemetery applications is typically 15-30 days once complete documentation is received. The state coordinates with the VA to ensure no duplication of benefits. If eligible for both federal and state benefits, families are advised which option provides maximum advantage. The SSMC provides free grave marker placement ceremonies with honor guards when requested.
Common Reasons for Denial
Claims are denied most commonly due to improper discharge documentation. If the DD-214 shows dishonorable discharge, dismissal, or discharge under other than honorable conditions, the VA will deny the application. Ensure your discharge documents reflect "Honorable" or "General Under Honorable Conditions." If your discharge status is unclear, request a correction through the Department of Defense Review Board before applying.
Missing or incomplete documentation causes many delays and denials. The VA needs a valid death certificate, complete DD-214, and proof of military service. If you cannot locate original documents, request replacements from NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) at 1-866-272-6272 or archives.gov. Include full name, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, and approximate service dates.
Relationship documentation is frequently insufficient for surviving spouse and dependent claims. Marriage certificates must be original or certified copies; photocopies alone are rejected. Birth certificates for dependent children must be certified. If a spouse remarried after the veteran's death, survivor benefits are forfeited. Ensure marriage was valid at time of veteran's death.
Incorrect cemetery or benefit type selection causes processing delays. Verify the cemetery's VA or state affiliation before submitting. If requesting burial in a private cemetery, clearly indicate you are claiming the $300 plot allowance and provide cemetery documentation. Some families mistakenly believe all cemeteries participate in the VA program; confirm participation before burial.
Failing to report the veteran's death to the VA within a reasonable timeframe can result in claim complications. The VA is typically notified by funeral homes, but if you handle arrangements independently, contact the VA directly immediately after death. Delays in notification may delay benefit payment or plot allocation, especially at popular national cemeteries.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If a burial benefits claim is denied, you have appeal rights under 38 U.S.C. § 7104. There are three lanes to pursue an appeal: the Supplemental Claim lane, the Higher-Level Review (HLR) lane, and the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) lane.
The Supplemental Claim allows you to submit new evidence related to your denied claim. You must file within one year of the initial denial decision. Use VA Form 20-0995 or submit through VA.gov/claim-or-appeal. This is best if you have uncovered additional documentation proving the veteran's honorable discharge, corrected military records, or overlooked evidence of service.
Higher-Level Review (HLR) requests that a senior VA reviewer examine your original claim without new evidence. You have one year from the denial date to file using VA Form 20-0996 or online. This works well if you believe the VA made a factual or legal error in their initial decision. Processing typically takes 4-5 months.
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) is the final administrative appeal for burial benefits. File a Notice of Disagreement (Form 20-0998) within one year of denial. The BVA reviews your complete case file and issues a written decision. This process takes 6-12 months but is thorough and provides the strongest appellate protections.
All three appeal lanes are free. The VA provides no-cost assistance through VA-accredited representatives, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and the VA Office of the General Counsel. Pennsylvania veterans can contact any county veterans service office for free appeal assistance. Never pay a claims representative; this is illegal under 38 U.S.C. § 5904.
Need help applying for VA burial benefits? Contact your county veterans service office in Pennsylvania at no charge. VSOs provide free counseling, document preparation assistance, and appeal support. Locate your county office at dmva.pa.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for referral.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in VA burial benefits for Pennsylvania veterans?
VA burial benefits for eligible Pennsylvania veterans include: burial in any VA national cemetery at no cost, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual maintenance of the grave, a headstone or marker at no charge, a burial flag provided free, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery instead, the VA provides a $300 plot allowance reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. § 2402. Cremation is permitted and receives identical benefits. All services are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. Pennsylvania additionally offers free burial in state veterans cemeteries with professional grounds care included. These benefits apply to the veteran's remains and also extend to eligible surviving spouses and dependent children.
Does my Pennsylvania residency matter for VA burial benefits?
No. VA burial benefits are federal and do not require Pennsylvania residency. Any honorably discharged veteran from any state can be buried in a VA national cemetery regardless of where they lived or died. However, Pennsylvania residency does matter for Pennsylvania state cemetery eligibility—state cemeteries prioritize Pennsylvania residents and their families. If you are a non-Pennsylvania resident veteran, you retain full access to the 145 VA national cemeteries across the country. Pennsylvania state cemeteries offer free burial exclusively to veterans with Pennsylvania connection through service, residence, or family. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 717-861-8910 to confirm state cemetery eligibility based on your specific circumstances.
If my veteran spouse passed away years ago, can I still claim burial benefits when I die?
Yes, absolutely. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans retain burial benefits indefinitely unless they remarry after the veteran's death. Under 38 U.S.C. § 2402, surviving spouses can be buried in the same grave as their veteran spouse or in an adjacent grave in any VA national cemetery at no cost. If you remarry, you lose survivor burial eligibility but regain it if that subsequent marriage ends in divorce or death. The same rules apply to dependent children: unmarried children under 23 (or 25 if enrolled full-time in VA-approved school) retain burial eligibility even decades after the veteran's death. To claim these benefits, provide your marriage certificate to the VA or cemetery at the time of death notification. Pre-planning arrangements in advance ensures smooth processing.
What is the Pennsylvania $300 plot allowance, and how do I claim it?
The plot allowance is $300 reimbursement from the VA under 38 U.S.C. § 2402 when a veteran is buried in a private cemetery rather than a VA national cemetery or Pennsylvania state cemetery. If you select a private cemetery, the VA reimburses up to $300 of the plot purchase or opening/closing costs. To claim it, submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) along with the veteran's DD-214, death certificate, and an invoice or receipt from the cemetery showing the cost of the grave plot. The VA processes claims within 30 days and mails reimbursement to the family. Note that Pennsylvania state cemeteries provide free burial plots, so the allowance only applies to private cemetery burials. The $300 allowance has not increased in recent years despite inflation, so families often find state or national cemetery burial more financially advantageous.
Can I pre-plan my VA burial while I'm still alive, and does it guarantee my spot?
Yes, Pennsylvania veterans can pre-plan burial at VA national cemeteries and Pennsylvania state cemeteries before death. Pre-planning does not guarantee a specific burial date or plot but streamlines the process when death occurs and provides families with documented preferences. Contact the specific cemetery directly or visit www.cem.va.gov to identify cemeteries and request pre-planning information. Pennsylvania state cemeteries accept pre-planning applications; call 717-861-8910 to coordinate. Pre-planning requires submission of your DD-214 and identification and is entirely free. When pre-planning, you can specify cemetery preference, burial type (ground burial or columbarium for ashes), and marker preferences. Having completed pre-planning documents ready reduces stress for families and accelerates benefit processing. However, pre-planning does not reserve a grave—eligibility must still be verified after death, and burial site assignment depends on cemetery availability.
Related Benefits in Pennsylvania
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. § 2400 — Establishes VA burial and plot allowance benefits eligibility
- 38 U.S.C. § 2301 — Defines authorized burial locations and national cemetery eligibility
- 38 C.F.R. § 38.600 — Sets requirements for burial flag provision to veterans
- 38 U.S.C. § 2402 — Authorizes plot allowance payment for non-national cemetery burials
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 4 statutes. Last reviewed July 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by July 2027.
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