Vital Records for Veterans Burial and Survivor Benefits
When a veteran dies, surviving family members may be entitled to burial benefits, survivor pension, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each benefit requires specific vital records. This guide covers what to gather and in what order.
Start immediately. Some VA benefits have application windows. The $300 burial allowance for non-service-connected deaths must be applied for within 2 years of burial. DIC has no statutory deadline but prompt filing avoids gaps in financial support.
Core Document: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
The DD-214 is the foundational document for all VA benefits. Without it, you cannot establish the veteran's service history. If you cannot find the DD-214 among the veteran's papers, request it from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) immediately — this is often the longest step.
How to request a DD-214: Submit Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to the National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138. Online requests can be initiated at archives.gov/veterans. Processing takes 3–10 weeks. Expedited processing (2–5 business days) is available when a veteran is seriously ill or death is imminent — request this directly by calling 314-801-0800.
Next of kin (surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings) of a deceased veteran are entitled to a copy of the DD-214 as a public record after the veteran's death.
Documents Required by Benefit Type
| Benefit | Documents Needed | File With |
|---|---|---|
| Burial in a National Cemetery | DD-214; death certificate | National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 1-800-535-1117 |
| Burial Allowance ($300–$800) | DD-214; death certificate; burial receipts; VA Form 21P-530 | VA regional office |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | DD-214; death certificate | va.gov/burials-memorials |
| Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) | DD-214; death certificate; marriage certificate; VA Form 21P-534EZ | VA regional office |
| Survivor's Pension | DD-214; death certificate; marriage certificate; income documentation; VA Form 21P-534EZ | VA regional office |
| Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance | DD-214; death certificate; marriage/birth certificates; VA Form 22-5490 | VA regional office |
| CHAMPVA Health Coverage (survivors) | DD-214; death certificate; marriage certificate; dependents' birth certificates; VA Form 10-10d | VA Health Administration Center |
Vital Records Needed: Detailed List
Death Certificate
Order 2–3 certified copies for VA purposes specifically. The VA will typically keep a copy. Get additional copies from the funeral home or the state vital records office. See our death certificate guide and how many copies to order for the full picture.
Marriage Certificate
For DIC and survivor pension, you must prove you were legally married to the veteran. The VA requires a certified marriage certificate. If your marriage certificate shows a different name than your current ID, also bring documentation of the name change. See our marriage certificate guide for how to request one.
Birth Certificates (for dependent children)
If claiming benefits for dependent children, each child's certified birth certificate is required — listing the veteran as the parent. For stepchildren or adopted children, additional documentation of the dependent relationship is required.
Divorce Decrees (prior marriages)
If either the veteran or the surviving spouse had prior marriages, the VA may require proof that those marriages were legally terminated. Bring certified copies of any divorce decrees for marriages that preceded the current one.
Finding Prior VA Records and Claim Numbers
If the veteran previously filed a VA claim, they have a VA file number. This number is on any prior VA correspondence, rating decisions, or benefit letters. Finding it significantly speeds up new claims processing. Check the veteran's files for anything from the VA with a "VA File Number" or "C-Number" notation.
Working with a VSO (Veterans Service Organization)
Veterans Service Organizations — including the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and others — offer free claims assistance. A VSO accredited claims agent can review your documents, identify what's missing, and file claims on your behalf at no cost. This is one of the most effective ways to navigate VA claims, particularly for complex situations. Find a VSO representative at va.gov/decision-reviews/find-a-vso/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call the NPRC directly at 314-801-0800 and request emergency expedited processing, citing the veteran's death and the immediate benefit need. They have a process for this. Additionally, some states maintain their own military discharge record files — contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs or the county recorder's office where the veteran lived, as DD-214s are sometimes recorded locally and may be accessible faster than through the federal NPRC.
Possibly. The VA recognizes common-law marriages if the marriage was valid under the laws of the state where it was established. You'll need to provide evidence of the common-law relationship — typically affidavits, evidence of cohabitation, shared finances, and statements from people with knowledge of the relationship. Contact a VSO for guidance on documenting a common-law marriage for VA purposes.
VA processing times for survivor benefit claims have varied widely. As of 2025, average processing times run 3–6 months for straightforward claims with complete documentation. Claims with missing documentation or that require additional development take longer. Filing with complete documentation from the start — and using a VSO to review the claim before submission — reduces the chances of a request for additional evidence that adds months to the process.