Veterans' Benefits and Final Expense Insurance: What You Need to Know

America's veterans have earned special benefits that can help cover final expenses. However, many veterans and their families don't fully understand what's available or how to supplement VA benefits with private final expense insurance.

VA Burial Benefits Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides several burial benefits for eligible veterans:

Burial Allowance

• Service-connected death: Up to $2,000
• Non-service-connected death (VA hospital): Up to $831
• Non-service-connected death (elsewhere): Up to $300

Plot Allowance

• For veterans not buried in national cemetery: $831

National Cemetery Benefits

All eligible veterans can receive at no cost:

• Gravesite in any national cemetery with available space
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Perpetual care of the gravesite
• Government headstone or marker
• Burial flag
• Presidential Memorial Certificate

The Gap in Coverage

While VA benefits are valuable, they typically don't cover all funeral costs:

Expense	Average Cost	VA Covers
Funeral home services	$2,300	$0
Casket	$2,500	$0
Embalming	$775	$0
Viewing/ceremony	$1,000	$0
Transportation	$700	$0
Burial plot (private)	$2,000	$831 max
Total Gap	$8,000-$10,000+

How Final Expense Insurance Helps

Burial insurance fills the gap between VA benefits and actual costs:

• Covers funeral home fees and services
• Pays for casket or urn
• Covers family travel to services
• Pays for reception/memorial gathering
• Leaves extra for surviving spouse

Special Programs for Veterans

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

• Converts SGLI to permanent coverage after separation
• Coverage up to $400,000
• Higher premiums than final expense but more coverage
• Must apply within certain timeframes

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

• For veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Up to $10,000 in coverage
• Additional $30,000 supplemental available
• Must apply within 2 years of VA disability rating

Why Veterans Should Consider Final Expense Insurance

1. Guaranteed acceptance: Available regardless of service-connected conditions
2. No expiration: Unlike VGLI, final expense doesn't expire or require conversion
3. Affordable: Small policy fills the gap without high premiums
4. Quick payout: Benefits paid faster than VA claims processing
5. Flexible use: Beneficiary can use funds for any purpose

Recommended Coverage Strategy

For most veterans, we recommend using our coverage calculator:

1. Maximize VA benefits: Ensure eligibility, choose national cemetery if desired
2. Supplement with final expense: $10,000-$15,000 policy covers the gap
3. Keep VGLI if affordable: Provides additional protection for family
4. Document everything: Keep DD-214 and VA documents accessible

Applying for VA Benefits

To claim VA burial benefits:

1. Obtain certified copy of DD-214 (discharge papers)
2. Complete VA Form 21-530EZ (burial benefits) or VA Form 40-1330 (headstone)
3. Submit death certificate
4. Include proof of relationship for surviving spouse claims

Important: Pre-need eligibility determination can speed up the process. Apply at va.gov.

We Honor Our Veterans

At ClearPath Final Expense, many of our agents are veterans themselves. We understand the unique challenges and benefits available to those who served. We'll help you navigate VA benefits and find the right supplemental coverage to fully protect your family. Thank you for your service—get your free quote today.