What it is
VA Form 21P-530EZ is the Application for Burial Benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23. It lets a survivor, funeral home, or estate representative ask VA to pay back burial, funeral, plot or interment, and transportation costs for a deceased veteran.
When you use it
File this form when you paid for the burial or funeral of an eligible veteran and want reimbursement. There are two tiers. If the death was service-connected, VA pays the higher allowance (up to $2,000 for deaths on or after September 11, 2001). If the death was non-service-connected, VA pays a lower flat burial allowance plus, if applicable, a separate plot or interment allowance. You can also claim transportation reimbursement if you paid to move the veteran's remains to the burial site. You do not need to file if you are the surviving spouse already listed on the veteran's VA profile. VA automatically pays plot, interment, and transportation amounts in that case.
What to gather before you fill it out
- Veteran's DD-214 or other separation document
- Certified death certificate
- Itemized funeral, burial, and transportation receipts in the claimant's name
- Proof of relationship if you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent
- Statement from the funeral director if the funeral home is the claimant
How to submit
Apply online at VA.gov, or mail the completed PDF to the Pension Intake Center, P.O. Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365. You can also bring it to a VA regional office or have an accredited VSO file it for you.
Common pitfalls
- Missing the 2-year filing window for non-service-connected death (measured from the date of permanent burial or cremation)
- Submitting receipts in someone else's name. VA pays the person who paid
- Forgetting to attach the death certificate or DD-214
- Assuming there is a time limit for service-connected death claims, there is not
- Filing a duplicate claim when the surviving spouse is already on file and will be paid automatically
Related forms
- VA Form 21P-534EZ. Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and Accrued Benefits
- VA Form 40-1330. Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker
Sources
- https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-530ez/
- https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/
- 38 CFR 3.1700 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.1700)
- 38 CFR 3.1703, 2-year filing deadline for non-service-connected burial claims