Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Death notification, 5 survivor benefits, and required documents
VA Benefits Hotline
Office of Survivors Assistance
Death Reporting / National Cemetery Scheduling Office
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides survivor benefits, burial assistance, and death notification services for veterans and their families. When a veteran dies, the VA offers burial benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and survivor pension programs for eligible family members.
Death notification
When a veteran dies, the family should notify the VA as soon as possible by calling 1-800-827-1000 and selecting option 5. If the veteran was receiving VA benefits, request that payments be stopped to avoid overpayment debt. You can also report the death in person at a VA regional office or by mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. The VA does not automatically receive death reports from Social Security or other agencies. Provide the veteran's full name, Social Security number or VA claim number, date of birth, date of death, and branch of service.
Deadline: As soon as possible; burial benefit claims within 2 years of burial
Survivor benefits
The VA offers 5 benefits for surviving family members.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Monthly tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Also available when the veteran had a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least 10 years before death, since release from active duty and for at least 5 years before death, or for at least 1 year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war.
Amount: $1,699.36/month base rate for surviving spouse (effective Dec 1, 2025; adjusted annually for COLA). Additional $421.00/month per dependent child under 18. Additional $360.85/month if veteran was totally disabled 8+ years before death and spouse was married during those 8 years.
Survivors Pension
Monthly benefit for eligible surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans whose death was not service-connected. Income and net worth limits apply.
Amount: Varies based on income; maximum annual pension rate $11,699 for surviving spouse without dependents, $15,311 with 1 dependent child (effective Dec 1, 2025). Net worth limit $163,699 (Dec 1, 2025 through Nov 30, 2026).
Burial Allowance
VA provides a burial allowance to help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. Veterans may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery at no cost. The VA may also reimburse transportation costs for moving remains to a national cemetery.
Amount: Non-service-connected death: $1,002 burial allowance + $1,002 plot/interment allowance (rates for deaths on or after Oct 1, 2025). Service-connected death: $2,000 burial allowance (deaths on or after Sept 11, 2001; $1,500 for earlier deaths). No filing deadline for service-connected deaths; 2-year filing deadline from burial date for non-service-connected deaths.
Government Headstone or Marker
VA provides a headstone, marker, or medallion at no cost to mark the grave of an eligible veteran in any cemetery. Includes inscription of name, branch of service, year of birth, and year of death.
Amount: Provided at no cost
Presidential Memorial Certificate
An engraved certificate signed by the current President, expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service. Available to eligible veterans' families at no cost.
Amount: No cost
Forms
A surviving spouse or dependent children file this to apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Survivors Pension, and/or accrued benefits after a veteran dies.
View form →A surviving parent files this to apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation after the death of their veteran child.
View form →The person who paid burial expenses files this to claim the VA burial allowance and plot/interment allowance (2-year filing deadline for non-service-connected deaths).
View form →Next of kin file this to request a government headstone or marker at no cost for the grave of an eligible deceased veteran.
View form →Next of kin file this to request a government medallion for an existing privately purchased headstone or marker in a private cemetery.
View form →Next of kin or a loved one file this to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring the deceased veteran's service.
View form →When someone dies
Notifying the VA after a death
5-step process, 9 required documents, 5 survivor benefits, and 30 to 90 days for most benefit claims.
View details →Frequently asked questions
DD Form 214 is the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It documents the veteran's military service record. If you do not have a copy, you can request one from the National Personnel Records Center by submitting Standard Form 180 or through the National Archives at archives.gov/veterans.
VA Benefits Hotline
Office of Survivors Assistance
Death Reporting / National Cemetery Scheduling Office