VA Form 21P-530a: State Interment Allowance Guide

VA Form 21P-530a: State Interment Allowance Guide – If you manage a state veterans cemetery or tribal veterans cemetery, VA Form 21P-530a is the official form you use to request the VA plot or interment allowance for eligible Veterans buried in your facility without charge. This targeted benefit helps offset costs for qualifying burials under federal law.

VA Form 21P-530a (State or Tribal Organization Application for Interment Allowance) is a short, straightforward application designed specifically for states, state agencies, political subdivisions, and tribal organizations. The current version is October 2024 (supersedes the August 2022 version).

What Is the VA Interment Allowance for State and Tribal Cemeteries?

Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23 (specifically § 2303) and 38 CFR § 3.1707, the Department of Veterans Affairs pays a plot or interment allowance to qualifying state or tribal cemetery operators.

VA pays this allowance directly to the state or tribal organization when:

  • The Veteran was eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
  • The Veteran was buried in a state-owned veterans cemetery, a section of a cemetery owned by a state agency or political subdivision, or on trust land held for a tribal organization.
  • The cemetery or section is used for the interment of eligible Veterans (and certain others as authorized).
  • The state or tribal organization provided the plot or interment without charge to the Veteran, family, or estate.

This is distinct from the individual burial allowance (VA Form 21P-530EZ), which individuals or funeral homes use for private cemetery burials or funeral expenses. Form 21P-530a focuses solely on the interment/plot component paid to the cemetery operator for qualifying state or tribal cemetery burials.

The allowance amount is set by 38 U.S.C. § 2303(b)(1) — a base of $700, adjusted periodically for cost-of-living increases. VA pays the applicable statutory amount in effect at the time of the claim.

Who Should Use VA Form 21P-530a?

Use this form if you are:

  • A state veterans cemetery administrator or official.
  • A tribal organization operating a veterans cemetery on trust land.
  • An agency or political subdivision of a state that owns or operates a qualifying veterans cemetery or section.

You must be authorized to apply for federal funds on behalf of the organization. The form requires signature by a state or tribal official delegated this responsibility.

Veteran Eligibility Requirements

The buried Veteran must meet VA national cemetery eligibility criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 2402 (generally, service members who received an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge from active duty). VA verifies eligibility through its records during processing.

Key points:

  • The allowance applies without regard to whether the death was service-connected or non-service-connected.
  • The burial must have occurred in your qualifying state or tribal veterans cemetery without charge for the plot or interment.
  • This form is commonly used for both claimed and unclaimed Veteran remains when burial occurs in your facility.

How to Complete VA Form 21P-530a? (Step-by-Step)

The form is very short (estimated 5-minute burden) and consists of five sections. It is available as a fillable PDF.

Section I – Veteran’s Identification Information
Enter the deceased Veteran’s full name, Social Security number, service number (if known), VA file number, date and place of birth, and date of death.

Section II – Veteran’s Active Duty Service
Provide details for periods of active service: branch of service, dates and places of entry and separation, grade/rank/rating at separation, and any other name used during service.

Section III – State Cemetery or Tribal Organization Information

  • Name of the claiming state cemetery or tribal organization.
  • Cemetery name and location where the Veteran was buried.
  • Date of burial.
  • Payee information (full legal name of the recipient organization, phone number, and complete mailing address for payment).

Section IV – Certification and Signature
This is the most important part. You must certify in ink that the Veteran named was buried without charge in a State-owned Veterans Cemetery or Tribal Cemetery. Sign and date the form, and include your official title.

Section V – Remarks
Use this optional section for any additional information or explanations.

Tip: Gather the Veteran’s DD Form 214 or equivalent service records and death certificate in advance. VA cross-references its systems, but accurate information speeds processing.

Where and How to Submit VA Form 21P-530a

You have two convenient options:

  1. Online (Recommended): Download the form from the official VA page, complete it, and submit electronically directly on the VA Form 21P-530a page.
  2. Mail: Send the completed form to:
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    Pension Intake Center
    P.O. Box 5365
    Janesville, Wisconsin 53547-5365

Official Download and Submission Page:
VA Form 21P-530a – State Application for Interment Allowance (includes online submission option)

Direct PDF: VBA-21P-530a-ARE.pdf (October 2024)

Official Resources and Trusted Sources

Practical Tips for State and Tribal Cemetery Administrators

  • Submit claims promptly after burial to ensure timely payment.
  • Maintain clear documentation that no charge was made for the plot or interment.
  • For unclaimed remains, coordinate with VA’s National Cemetery Administration programs, which may provide additional support such as caskets, urns, or transportation in certain cases.
  • Double-check Veteran eligibility using VA systems or by requesting records early.
  • Keep copies of all submitted forms and supporting documents for your records.
  • The form has a low respondent burden (5 minutes), but accuracy in service information and the “without charge” certification is essential.

Need Help?

Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 for general assistance with burial benefits. State and tribal cemetery operators may also contact their VA regional office or the Pension Intake Center for form-specific questions.

VA Form 21P-530a streamlines reimbursement for the important work state and tribal veterans cemeteries perform in honoring those who served. Using the current October 2024 version and submitting through official VA channels ensures the fastest processing.

For the most up-to-date information and to submit your application, always start at the official VA page linked above.