The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on July 10, 2025 that, under the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (“Dole Act”), certain veterans who die at home while in VA-provided hospice care will now be eligible for full burial reimbursement.
The measure covers veterans who were discharged from VA-provided medical or nursing care, then transitioned into VA-approved hospice care at home, and whose death occurs between July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026.
Previously, deaths occurring at home under those conditions did not always confer eligibility for the full VA burial allowance. The change is aimed at “closing a longstanding gap” in benefits, according to the VA.
Veterans Now Eligible for Expanded Burial Reimbursement
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Period of eligibility | July 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026 |
| Who is eligible | Veterans discharged from VA medical/nursing care, receiving VA-provided hospice care at home |
| Benefit expansion | Full VA burial allowance extended to this group |
| How to apply / contact | Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA burial benefits website |
Why the Change Matters
The shift reflects changes in end-of-life care patterns among veterans. According to experts, an increasing number of veterans prefer hospice care at home rather than institutional settings. The eligibility gap meant that some veterans’ families faced reduced benefits simply because the veteran died at home rather than in a facility.
“As more veterans choose to spend their final days at home surrounded by loved ones, federal benefits must reflect that reality,” said Dr. Patricia Horan, director of the veterans program at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Advocacy groups also praised the move. “This is a meaningful step toward equity,” said John R. Rowan, National President of the Vietnam Veterans of America. “No family should be penalized just because a veteran chose home hospice care.”
Eligibility Details and Application Process
Who Qualifies
To qualify for the expanded burial reimbursement, all the following must apply:
- The veteran was discharged from VA-provided inpatient medical or nursing care.
- After discharge, the veteran received VA-provided hospice care at home.
- The veteran passed away between July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026.
What the Benefit Covers
The allowance helps cover funeral and burial related expenses, and families remain eligible for VA national-cemetery services, including a gravesite, headstone or marker, flag and memorial certificate.
Veterans Now Eligible for Expanded Burial Reimbursement Apply
- Families or guardians should gather key documents including the veteran’s service discharge (DD-214), proof of hospice care at home, and the death certificate.
- Complete the standard VA Form 21P-530 “Application for Burial Benefits.”
- Submit the form online via VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
- To arrange interment in a VA national cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.
Broader Policy and Budget Context
The Dole Act is one of several legislative efforts to modernize veterans’ health, caregiving and benefits infrastructure. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the VA serves over 9 million enrolled veterans, with roughly 400 000 receiving palliative or hospice care annually.
While the exact cost of this specific reimbursement expansion is not publicly broken out, reports suggest it is a modest outlay relative to the overall VA budget.
The policy also signals a shift toward supporting home-based care and caregiver supports, aligned with data showing preference for dying at home among many veterans.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite the positive step, experts caution about potential issues:
- Some families may not be aware of the eligibility window and conditions, and could miss the benefit. Analysts urge the VA to invest in clear outreach.
- The expansion is temporary (through October 2026), and advocacy groups are pushing for a permanent extension or codification of the rule.
- Implementation at the local level may lag; funeral directors and veterans’ service organizations may need additional training to ensure eligible families are guided correctly.
Looking ahead, the VA has indicated it will review the program’s outcomes and report to Congress before deciding whether to make the benefit permanent.
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Practical Tips for Families and Caregivers
- If a veteran is receiving hospice care at home, check their discharge status from any VA facility — this may affect eligibility.
- Retain all documentation of hospice enrollment, discharge, death certificate and funeral invoices — these will be needed for reimbursement.
- Contact a local veterans service organization (VSO) for assistance; VSOs often provide free help navigating VA benefits.
- Act promptly — though the benefit window extends to October 2026, early submission may reduce delays in reimbursement and cemetery scheduling.
In recognizing this policy change, the VA has taken a tangible step toward aligning its benefits with the evolving preferences of veterans and their families. Whether it will translate into a permanent reform remains to be seen. For now, eligible families are advised to verify conditions and act while the window remains open.
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