The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Burial Assistance Program is a government initiative that offers financial support to the families of Filipino veterans to help cover funeral expenses and honor their service. This benefit provides Php 20,000.00 in cash assistance, along with a Philippine flag to drape the veteran’s casket. Applying for this program involves submitting specific documentary requirements either in person at PVAO offices or online for qualified cases.
This non-pension benefit was established to ensure that no veteran is buried without dignity and recognition, reflecting the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice. The application process includes verifying the veteran’s service, proving the death and relationship of the claimant, and submitting valid receipts and affidavits where needed. Public awareness is crucial because many families of veterans—especially those in remote areas—remain unaware of the support available to them in times of grief. If you’re planning to file for this benefit, this detailed guide outlines everything you need to know about the PVAO Burial Assistance Program.
What is PVAO Burial Assistance?
PVAO Burial Assistance is one-time financial aid amounting to Php 20,000. It is typically provided to the person who paid for the funeral expenses of a deceased veteran. Along with the monetary support, the benefit includes a Philippine flag to drape over the veteran’s casket as a sign of respect. Unlike other benefit types, this one is a one-time financial aid, focused on post-mortem support for the veteran himself, but it must be applied for by eligible beneficiaries within two years from the veteran’s actual date of death.
History and Legal Basis
The PVAO Burial Assistance Program is anchored in Section 20 of Republic Act No. 6948, which was later amended by Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7696, reinforcing the government’s commitment to honor its veterans. Initially, burial support was minimal and mostly symbolic, but over the years, the program evolved to provide financial relief to families shouldering the costs of a veteran’s funeral. The adjustment raised the burial assistance to Php 20,000 effective December 12, 2014. Through administrative improvements and wider awareness campaigns, the program has become more accessible across the country. The law recognizes the increasing financial strain on bereaved families and aims to ensure no veteran is laid to rest without honor and support. Today, the PVAO continues to upgrade and digitize the application process to reach more beneficiaries efficiently.
Features and Benefits
Here are the most important features and benefits of this program:
- Php 20,000.00 cash assistance for funeral-related expenses
- Issuance of a Philippine flag for draping the veteran’s casket
- Accepts applications both in person and online (for qualified groups)
- Covers World War II veterans, PEFTOK, PHILCAG, and modern AFP soldiers
- Affidavit-based claims allowed for Muslim burials and life plan-covered veterans
- Allows claimants such as next of kin or individuals who paid for the burial
Who Can Apply?
Eligible claimants include:
- Next of kin of the deceased veteran
- World War II veterans
- PEFTOK (Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea) veterans
- PHILCAG (Philippine Civic Action Group) veterans
- Post-war AFP retirees and pensioners
- Veterans killed in action (KIA)
- Veterans who died in the line of duty
- Families or legal beneficiaries (e.g., spouse, children) of these veterans
- Any individual who paid for the funeral or burial expenses
Eligibility Criteria for Beneficiaries
To qualify for the burial assistance, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:
- The deceased must be a recognized Filipino veteran under PVAO’s jurisdiction
- The claim must be filed within two years of the veteran’s date of death
- The claimant must be either a legal dependent, surviving spouse, or the individual who paid for the funeral
- Required documents such as proof of service, death certificate, and receipts must be submitted
- The claimant must present valid government-issued IDs and supporting affidavits if necessary
Deadline for Application
Applications must be submitted within two (2) years from the date of the veteran’s death. Late submissions will no longer be accepted.
Types of Claimants and Their Requirements
The documents required for filing depend on the status of the deceased veteran. Below is a breakdown of documentary requirements per claimant category.
For Non-Pensioner Veterans
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Military Service Record (if veteran does not have existing PVAO benefits)
- Registered Death Certificate (from PSA or LCR)
- Funeral service Official Receipt
- If applicant is not the payor:
- Notarized Affidavit of Waiver of Rights from payor + ID
- If veteran was a widower with a memorial plan: Waiver from majority of siblings + their IDs
- For Islamic rites without receipts: Notarized Affidavit of Burial Expenses with itemized costs
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate (spouse)q
- Birth Certificate (child/claimant)
- Two government-issued IDs (photocopies)
- One 2×2 photo (white background)
For Pensioner Veterans
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Registered Death Certificate
- Funeral service Official Receipt
- If applicant is not the payor:
- Waiver from payor + ID
- Waiver from siblings (if applicable)
- Affidavit for Islamic burial rites (if no receipt)
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate (spouse)
- Birth/Marriage Certificate of child-claimant
- Two government-issued IDs (photocopies)
- One 2×2 photo (white background)
For Killed-in-Action (KIA) Veterans (OC-20-33)
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Statement of Service (authenticated)
- Declaration of Legal Beneficiaries (if available)
- Casualty Report (if available)
- Death Certificate (if available)
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate (spouse)
- Birth Certificate (child)
- Two government-issued IDs
- Two 2×2 photos (white background)
For Veterans Who Died in the Line of Duty
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Authenticated Statement of Service
- Declaration of Legal Beneficiaries (if available)
- Casualty Report (if available)
- Authenticated Death Certificate
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate (spouse)
- Birth Certificate (child)
- Two government-issued IDs
- Two 2×2 photos (white background)
Where to Secure Required Documents
Make sure to have these documents ready before applying for this benefit. If you need information on where to get them, please see the list below:
- Application Form: Available at PVAO offices and website
- Military Service Records: Office of the Adjutant General (OTAG), Camp Aguinaldo
- Death Certificate, Marriage/Birth Certificates: PSA or LCR
- Funeral Receipts: Funeral service provider
- Waivers and Affidavits: Notary Public or law firm
- Valid IDs: Any government ID-issuing agency
- 2×2 Photos: Photo studios
How to File the Application
Once you have all the requirements, you may follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Obtain and Complete the Application Form
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Step 3: Submit the Application
- In-Person Submission:
- Visit the PVAO Central Office or any Field Service Office.
- Present the completed application form and all required documents.
- Undergo verification and administration of oath.
- Online Submission:
- For dependents of deceased World War II, PEFTOK, PHILCAG veterans who are PVAO pensioners, and AFP killed-in-action cases.
- Submit via email: vsauba.claims@pvao.gov.ph.
Step 4: Processing and Approval
- Verification: PVAO reviews the submitted documents for completeness and accuracy.
- Evaluation: The claim is evaluated, and an evaluation report is prepared.
- Approval: The claim undergoes a series of reviews before final approval by the PVAO Administrator.
Step 5: Release of Assistance
- Notification: The claimant is informed once the assistance is ready for release.
- Claiming the Check:
- Present valid government-issued IDs.
- If claiming through a representative, provide an authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney, along with IDs of both the claimant and the representative.
- Acknowledgment: Sign the acknowledgment receipt upon receiving the check.
Cost and Processing Time
Applying for the PVAO Burial Assistance is free of charge—there are no processing fees required. The main cost involved is the preparation of necessary documents (e.g., notarized affidavits or ID photocopies). However, as a highly technical, multi-stage G2C (Government-to-Citizen) transaction, the processing time for this program may vary depending on the completeness of submitted documents, but once approved, the check is released promptly, typically within a few weeks after final verification.
Tips for a Smooth Application
For your reference, here are some tips to make your application so much easier:
- Always keep original copies and certified true copies of your documents.
- If using affidavits, have them notarized properly.
- Apply early to avoid missing the two-year deadline.
- Make sure all names and details are consistent across documents.
- Ensure the application is filed within two years from the veteran’s death.
- Note that all documents must be original or certified true copies. Photocopies are accepted only upon presentation of the original documents.
- Affidavits must be notarized and accompanied by photocopies of government-issued IDs of the affiants.
- Photographs should be recent and taken against a white background.
Video: PVAO @ 78 – Highlights of Accomplishments
As the prime supporter of the veterans of the country, the PVAO always ensures that nation’s defenders get the support they need long after their service has ended and even in death. Through its historical development, legislative backing, and comprehensive services, PVAO continues to serve Filipino veterans by assisting them and honoring their contributions, through direct financial assistance like the PVAO burial assistance program, or in the form of other benefits or services as highlighted in this PVAO Anniversary video:
Contact Information
For further assistance, you may contact:
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)
- Office Address: Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Compound, Col. Boni Serrano Avenue, Quezon City
- Telephone: (+63-02) 8912-4526, Claims – 09308361097, Finance – 09176688072, Records/updating- 09192123074
- Email Address: pvao.publicaffairs@pvao.gov.ph, vsauba.claims@pvao.gov.ph
- Website: https://pvao.gov.ph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PVAO1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePVAO