New VA Benefit Offers $525 Burial Plot Allowance for Veterans' Families in State Cemeteries

If you’ve ever had to handle the logistics and costs following a loved one’s passing, you know how quickly expenses pile up. This new piece of legislation, the ‘Protecting our Veterans’ Memories Act,’ aims to ease some of that burden for the families of eligible veterans by providing a $525 allowance for burial plots.

The New Benefit: What’s Covered

This benefit is straightforward: the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay $525 toward the cost of a burial plot for certain family members of a veteran, provided the veteran themselves met the criteria for burial in a national cemetery (under specific categories outlined in 38 U.S.C. 2402). The allowance covers the veteran’s spouse, surviving spouse, and minor children. Importantly, the VA Secretary also has the discretion to approve the allowance for an unmarried adult child. This payment is specifically for deaths that occur after the law is enacted, and the $525 amount will adjust over time, similar to other VA benefits, to keep up with costs.

Where the Money Goes

Here’s the catch—or rather, the crucial detail: this benefit is only available if the burial happens in a cemetery owned by a state, a state agency, or a local political subdivision (like a county or city). If the family chooses a private cemetery, this allowance doesn't apply. Also, the money doesn’t go to the family directly; it is paid straight to the state or local entity that owns the cemetery. Think of it as a small subsidy the VA provides to state-run veterans’ cemeteries to help offset the cost of accommodating the veteran’s immediate family.

Real-World Impact and Fine Print

For a family living in a state with a well-maintained veterans’ cemetery, this is great news. It means they can choose to bury a spouse or child near the veteran in a state facility, and the VA will pick up a portion of that plot cost. This is especially helpful in situations where using a distant national cemetery isn't practical. For example, if a widow of a veteran passes away, this allowance helps ensure she can be interred alongside her husband in their home state’s veterans’ cemetery, making visitation easier for their children and grandchildren.

One detail worth noting is the VA’s discretion regarding the unmarried adult child. While it’s good that the VA has flexibility to help in certain situations, the lack of specific criteria here means the VA will have to develop clear guidelines to ensure fair and consistent application. Otherwise, families might face inconsistent decisions when applying for this benefit for an adult child. Overall, however, this bill is a beneficial addition, recognizing the importance of keeping veterans and their immediate families together by easing the financial pressure on state and local burial options.