VA Form 21-6898: How to File for Deceased Veteran Deposits

VA Form 21-6898: How to File for Deceased Veteran Deposits – VA Form 21-6898 allows eligible claimants to request disbursement of funds remaining in a deceased veteran’s Personal Funds of Patients (PFOP) account. These accounts hold personal money (often from VA benefits or other sources) that VA manages for veterans receiving care at VA health care facilities, domiciliary, or certain contract institutions.

This form is specifically for claiming those on-deposit amounts after the veteran’s death. It is not the form for standard survivor benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), accrued unpaid benefits, or pension. For those, different applications like VA Form 21-534EZ are typically required.

Download the official form here:
Download VA Form 21-6898 (PDF)

You can also access it on the official VA page:
VA Form 21-6898 – Veterans Affairs

The current version is dated December 2001 and remains in use.

What Is VA Form 21-6898?

VA Form 21-6898, officially titled “Application for Amounts on Deposit for Deceased Veteran,” is used to claim the balance of a deceased veteran’s personal funds held on deposit by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When a veteran or patient in a VA facility dies, VA prepares a final accounting of the PFOP account within approximately 10 days. The named designee (or other eligible persons if no designee claims in time) must use this form to request release of the funds.

The form establishes the claimant’s relationship to the veteran and entitlement under the applicable order of preference, which differs slightly depending on whether the funds originated from VA benefits or other sources. It is governed by 38 C.F.R. Part 12 and VA financial policy on Personal Funds of Patients.

Who Should File VA Form 21-6898?

The primary filer is the designee identified by the veteran on VA Form 10-10118 (Designee for Patient Personal Property) or noted in the patient’s account. A designee may not be a VA employee unless they are a family member.

If there is no designee, or the designee does not file within the required timeframe, other eligible persons may claim the funds in this general order of preference (especially for VA-derived funds):

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (including adopted, step, and illegitimate children, in equal shares)
  • Dependent parents (in equal shares or to the surviving parent)

In some cases, a person who paid for the veteran’s last sickness or burial expenses may claim reimbursement if no closer relatives exist and certain conditions are met. Executors or administrators of the estate may also have priority in specific situations.

VA reviews claims based on the source of the funds (VA benefits vs. non-VA sources), the veteran’s competency status at death, and state intestacy laws where applicable. Always verify your eligibility by contacting VA directly, as individual circumstances vary.

When to File VA Form 21-6898? (Important Deadlines)

The designee should file within 90 days following VA’s mailing of the notice of death to request disbursement from the Regional Office. Filing promptly helps avoid complications.

If no valid claim is made within the applicable period:

  • VA-derived funds may transfer to the appropriate VA Regional Office for disposition under 38 C.F.R. Part 3.
  • Non-VA funds may eventually transfer to the medical center’s General Post Fund after one year (with possible later claims under specific time limits, often 1–5 years depending on circumstances and any legal disability).

Claims are generally reviewed for funds deposited within five years before death (with extensions possible if the claimant was under legal disability at the time of death). File as soon as possible after the veteran’s death is reported to VA.

How to Download and Fill Out VA Form 21-6898?

Download the form using the link above. Print it and complete it neatly in ink or type the information. All questions must be answered fully. Use “Unknown” where appropriate and continue answers in the “Remarks” section or on an attached sheet if needed. A separate form is generally required for each claimant.

Main sections of the form include:

  • Veteran’s identifying information — Full name and VA file number.
  • Claimant’s information — Your name, address, date of birth, and relationship to the veteran.
  • Part I (All Claimants) — List surviving relatives in order of preference (spouse, children, father, mother). Write “None” if there are no survivors in a category.
  • Part II — Marital history for the veteran and surviving spouse/parent.
  • Part III (Primarily for parents when no spouse or child claims) — Details on whether the veteran lived in your household, net worth at death, income, and expenses.
  • Part IV (For reimbursement of last sickness or burial expenses) — Information on place of death/burial and itemized expenses with supporting bills or statements. Unpaid creditors may need to sign a waiver.
  • Certification and signature — You must certify that the information is true and correct.

Practical tips for completing the form:

  • Gather proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers) and the veteran’s death certificate (unless VA already has it on file).
  • If claiming reimbursement for expenses, attach itemized bills or statements showing amounts paid or owed.
  • Be accurate with financial details in Part III (net worth includes market value of stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, etc., minus certain indebtedness).
  • Do not pay anyone a fee to help prepare this form — it is prohibited by law.

If the form seems complex for your situation, contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance. You can find one through VA or a recognized veterans service organization.

Required Documents and Supporting Evidence

Attach copies (never send originals unless specifically requested) of:

  • Veteran’s death certificate or official notice of death
  • Proof of your relationship to the veteran (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Any court documents if you are an executor, administrator, or legal guardian
  • Itemized bills or receipts if claiming reimbursement for last sickness or burial expenses
  • Any other evidence requested by VA to establish entitlement

VA may already have some records (especially the death notice and relationship proof) if the death was properly reported. Previously submitted evidence usually does not need to be resubmitted.

Where and How to Submit VA Form 21-6898?

Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the VA Regional Office (Veteran Service Center Manager) with jurisdiction over the veteran’s claims file. This is the office that handles development of the claim and certification of entitlement.

Recommended submission options:

  • Mail to the appropriate VA Regional Office or the centralized Claims Intake Center (many VA forms route through this address): Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
  • Confirm the exact mailing address and preferred method by calling VA at 1-800-827-1000 (or TTY: 711) or visiting va.gov/find-locations.

Because this form ties to a specific VA facility’s PFOP account and the veteran’s claims folder, it is best to call VA first for the current correct address and any specific instructions. In-person submission at a regional office is also possible in some cases.

Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date and method of submission.

What Happens After You Submit VA Form 21-6898?

VA will review the claim, verify entitlement, and coordinate with the VA facility that held the funds. The Veteran Service Center Manager typically develops the claim and provides a certificate of eligibility and entitlement proportions to the facility for payment.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the claim, completeness of your application, and current VA workload. You can check status by calling the VA Regional Office handling the file or using VA.gov tools where available.

Once approved, payment is issued according to the established shares. If issues arise (such as competing claims or questions about fund sources), VA may request additional information or refer the matter to Regional Counsel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the preferred 90-day window for designees.
  • Submitting an incomplete form or failing to answer all questions.
  • Sending original documents instead of copies.
  • Filing with the wrong VA office without confirming jurisdiction.
  • Not attaching required proof of relationship or expense documentation.
  • Assuming this form covers all survivor benefits (it does not).
  • Paying unauthorized fees for assistance with the form.

Double-check everything before mailing and consider having a VSO review your package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is VA Form 21-6898 the same as forms for accrued benefits or DIC?
No. This form is specifically for personal funds held on deposit in a VA facility’s PFOP account. Accrued benefits, DIC, and survivors pension use different applications (commonly VA Form 21-534EZ).

Can I file this form online?
Currently, VA Form 21-6898 is a paper form. There is no online submission option listed on va.gov for this specific form.

What if there is no designee or the designee does not file in time?
Other eligible persons (spouse, children, parents, or in some cases expense payers) may still claim the funds, subject to the rules in 38 C.F.R. Part 12 and VA policy. File promptly and contact VA for guidance.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Designees should act within 90 days of the notice of death. Other claims have longer windows (often up to 1–5 years depending on circumstances), but earlier filing is strongly recommended.

Who can help me fill out or submit this form?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), county veterans service officers, or recognized veterans service organizations provide free help. Search for one at va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

Tips for a Successful Claim

Report the veteran’s death to VA as soon as possible (online where available, by phone, or mail to the Claims Intake Center) so records are updated and any notice of death is issued.
Keep detailed records of all communications with VA.
If the veteran had a will or estate proceedings, gather those documents early.
For complex family situations or large balances, consult an accredited representative or attorney familiar with VA claims.
Monitor your claim status regularly and respond quickly to any VA requests for information.

Additional Resources

This guide provides general information based on official VA sources. VA policies and procedures can have nuances based on individual circumstances. For personalized assistance with your claim, contact VA directly or work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer. They can help ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.

Primary download link (as provided):
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-6898-ARE.pdf

Always use the most current official VA resources when preparing your claim.