Veterans Benefits

The COLA increases many VA benefits, including disability compensation, clothing allowance for some disabled veterans, survivorship pension compensation, and burial benefits.

The COLA increases many VA benefits, including disability compensation, clothing allowance for some disabled veterans, survivorship pension compensation, and burial benefits.

Under the new COLA guidelines, disability compensation increases by 8.7 percent. In dollar amounts, a disabled veteran with a ten percent VA rating (and no dependents) can expect about $13.28 more each month. A 100 percent disabled veteran with no dependents will receive $300 more monthly.

Spouses and dependent, unmarried children of qualifying veterans receive a COLA of 8.7 percent on survivorship pension benefits.

The non-service-connected burial rate increased by nearly $600 from the 2022 rate to an all-time high of $893. The VA’s burial allowance now matches the amount the government pays for a plot.

Qualifying family members may apply for a burial allowance within two years after a non-service-connected death. There is no time limit to file for service-connected transportation or burial, plot, and interment allowance.

The VA gives qualified veterans or their eligible family members a financial break on burial, funeral, and cremation costs. Some of these benefits include:

• An allowance for burial, funeral, or cremation costs
• An allowance for the internment, plot, or grave marker
• Transportation reimbursement for transporting the remains to a final resting place

Burial benefits are the highest they’ve ever been right now. If you think you might be eligible for benefits you don’t currently receive, consider contacting the VA for assistance in securing the benefits you earned.

For more information about VA Burial Allowance, please visit the VA’s website.

More military families now qualify for the VA burial transportation allowance. The VA pays to transport a veteran’s remains from the place of death to the location of burial if the following is true:

• Veteran’s date of death is on or after January 5, 2023
• Death occurs within a state
• Place of burial is in a state
• Veteran meets any of the following:
• The veteran’s remains are unclaimed
• At the time of death, the veteran received VA disability compensation, military retired pay in place of disability compensation, or VA Pension (also called Non-Service-Connected Pension)

Transportation benefits for death while in VA care are always paid if the veteran dies in a VA Medical facility or another facility approved under VA expense.

Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as members of a Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive funeral honors.

The VA can help pay for a specially equipped vehicle for veterans whose service-connected disability prevents them from driving. The vehicle allowance is a one-time special benefit of $24,115.12.

Some veterans qualify for a one-time or annual clothing allowance. This money helps service-connected disabled veterans replace clothes that a prosthetic or orthopedic device damages.

The VA’s office offers burial benefits as a reimbursement after a memorial service, however there is no reason veterans can’t plan ahead for their funeral in advance. It’s essential for either the veteran or their family to look into eligibility early if they are interested in burial in a national cemetery. You can use this VA form to apply for preplanning eligibility.

Preplanning is the best way to safeguard your family’s peace of mind even when you’re not around. Making arrangements in advance ensures your wishes are honored and spares your family from additional stress during a difficult time. It’s a thoughtful gesture that provides comfort and clarity when needed.

These enhanced VA benefits signify more than just financial assistance – they represent the recognition of our veterans’ sacrifices and dedication. At Allen-Summerhill Funeral Homes & Crematory, we are experts at ensuring veterans receive all the benefits, assistance, certificates, and awards they and their families are entitled to. If you are a Veteran or have a Veteran in your life and need assistance, we are here to help.