VA Expands Burial Benefits for Veterans in Hospice Care

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, July 2025

Major Policy Change for Veterans and Families

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has temporarily expanded burial benefits for certain veterans, thanks to the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

Who This Affects

Eligible veterans are those who:

- Pass away between July 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026

What Changed and Why

The Previous Problem:

Previously, veterans who died at home under VA hospice care after discharge from VA-provided medical or nursing care were not always eligible for a full VA burial allowance.

This created an unfair situation where the location of death (VA facility vs. home with VA hospice) affected burial benefits—even though both scenarios involved full VA care.

The Solution:

The new legislation recognizes that veterans receiving VA-provided hospice care at home are still under VA care and deserve the same burial benefits as those who die in VA facilities.

What Benefits Are Included

For eligible veterans, the expanded burial benefits include:

Important Note: These benefits have NO COPAYS. Hospice care through VA is provided at no cost to enrolled veterans.

VA Hospice Care Basics

All enrolled veterans are eligible for VA hospice care if they:

Where VA Hospice Care Can Be Provided:

How to Access These Benefits

For families of eligible veterans who passed away after July 1, 2025:

1. Contact VA immediately: Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit your nearest VA regional office

2. Provide documentation:

- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)

- Death certificate

- Documentation of VA hospice enrollment

- Proof of discharge from VA facility to home hospice care

3. File claims promptly: While there's no strict deadline, filing sooner ensures faster processing

4. Request assistance: VA benefits counselors can help navigate the application process

Additional VA Hospice Resources

Veterans and families should know:

- No copays for hospice care: All hospice-related expenses are covered at 100% for enrolled veterans

- Comprehensive services: VA hospice includes medical care, medications, equipment, counseling, and bereavement support

- Family support: VA provides support for family caregivers, including respite care and bereavement counseling

Veteran-to-Veteran Support

Many VA hospice programs include:

Temporary Status

Important timeline note:

This expanded benefit is currently temporary, covering deaths between July 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026.

Advocates are working to make these expanded benefits permanent, recognizing that location of death shouldn't determine benefit eligibility when veterans are under full VA care.

Advocacy and Future Legislation

The National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care and veteran advocacy groups are:

Questions or Concerns?

Contact these resources:

- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

- VA Bereavement Counseling: 1-877-927-8387

- Online: va.gov/burials-memorials

- Local VA Medical Center: Find yours at va.gov/find-locations

Honoring Service Through Dignity

This legislation recognizes that veterans who served our country deserve dignity and support through the end of their lives—regardless of where they choose to spend their final days.

If you're a veteran or caring for a veteran with a life-limiting illness, don't hesitate to explore VA hospice benefits. You've earned this care.

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Source: Department of Veterans Affairs Press Release, July 2025