What Happens to Your Veterans Affairs (VA) Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Deadline
Apply within 2 years for burial
Difficulty
Moderate
Key Info
Burial benefit, headstone, flag, and DIC available
Step-by-Step Guide
Document veteran status
Record the DD-214 (discharge papers) location, VA claim number, and service dates.
Estimated time: 10 min
Apply for burial benefits
Apply for VA burial benefits, national cemetery burial, headstone/marker, and burial flag.
Estimated time: 30 min
Apply for DIC benefits
Surviving spouse or dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Cancel VA healthcare enrollment
Notify the VA to cancel healthcare enrollment and stop any ongoing benefits.
Estimated time: 15 min
Document Now Checklist
- DD-214 location
- VA claim number
- Service dates and branch
- VA healthcare status
- Current VA benefits received
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Veterans Affairs (VA). This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Social Security
Social Security must be notified of death immediately. Benefits paid after death must be returned. Survivor benefits may be available.
IRS / Tax Returns
A final individual tax return must be filed for the year of death. Estates over $13.61M may owe federal estate tax.
Passport / Driver's License / State IDs
Cancel government IDs promptly to prevent identity theft. A deceased person's identity is a target for fraudsters.
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