End of Life

End of Life and Estate Planning

Veterans Affairs Veterans Burial Benefits and End of Life Planning


VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you've earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need.  Download the pdf,

Planning Your Legacy: VA Survivors and Burial Benefits

Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service and Online Will Preparation:

VA makes financial planning and online will preparation services available at no cost to beneficiaries of:

• SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance)

• TSGLI (Traumatic Injury Protection)

• FSGLI (Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance)

• VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance)

The financial counseling and online will preparation services offered here are only for SGLI, VGLI, and FSGLI beneficiaries and Servicemembers who have received TSGLI benefits.  Servicemembers who are interested in financial counseling but have not received a TSGLI payment may contact their Command Financial Specialists or Financial Readiness Counselor. Members may also visit www.militaryonesource.mil or call 800-342-9647 for additional information. 

Veterans Affairs Burial Benefits and Memorial Items

VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you've earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need. This section is developing, so check back for information and resources updates.

  • End of Life Documents / Veterans Affairs

    If you wish to apply for pre-need eligibility in a National Cemetery

    VA Form 40-10007

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for a Burial Flag

    VA Form 27-2008

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for a Government Medallion

    VA Form 40-1330M

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for a Headstone/Marker

    VA Form 40-1330

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for burial benefits

    VA Form 21P-530EZ

    Veteran’s Military Discharge

    Death Certificate

    Transportation Invoice


    If you wish to apply for DIC benefits for the Veteran’s surviving spouse, child/children

    VA Form 21P-534EZ

    Veteran’s Military Discharge

    Death Certificate

    Declaration of Status of Dependents

    (VA Form 21-686c)


    If you wish to apply for DIC benefits for the Veteran’s surviving parent/parents

    VA Form 21P-535

    Veteran’s Military Discharge

    Death Certificate

    Declaration of Status of Dependents

    (VA Form 21-686c)


    If you wish to apply for DIC benefits for the Veteran’s surviving spouse, child/children as a result of combatrelated death

    VA Form 21P-534a

    Veteran’s Military Discharge

    Death Certificate

    Declaration of Status of Dependents

    (VA Form 21-686c)


    If you wish to apply for a Survivors Pension *with aid and attendance or housebound benefits

    VA Form 21P-534EZ

    Veteran’s Military Discharge

    Death Certificate

    *Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid and Assistance

    (VA Form 21-2680)


    If you wish to apply for The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

    VA Form 10-10d

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for the:

    - Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA), or the

    - Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Post-9/11 GI Bill

    VA Form 22-5490

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for a Home Loan

    VA Form 26-1817

    Veteran’s Military Discharge


    If you wish to apply for any VA Life Insurance programs* benefits.va.gov/insurance

    Military or VA Disability rating documents

    Military separation documents

    Mortgage documents


    If you wish to file a claim for VA Life Insurance that is in effect upon the Servicemember’s, Family Member’s, or Veteran Insured’s passing.

    SGLV 8283/ SGLV 8283A

    SGLV 8284/ SGLV 8284A

    SGLV 8721

    VA Form 29-4125/

    VA Form 29-4125e

    Copy of death certificate

    Estate or Will documentation

  • Additional End of Life Programs

    Five Wishes

    Five Wishes is a workbook that becomes a legal advance directive when completed. It is a comprehensive, person-centered advance care planning program that offers a proven, easy-to-use approach to having effective and compassionate conversations. Just as the Five Wishes advance directive document is widely known for being easy to follow and understand, the full program includes easy to use, scalable tools and resources.

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