Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an 8x10 inch certificate signed by the current President honoring the memory of a deceased veteran. It's issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible family members at no cost and serves as an official recognition of the veteran's military service and sacrifice.
The certificate is a formal tribute, not a monetary benefit, but it holds significant meaning for families. Many families frame and display it alongside other military honors, discharge papers (DD-214), or alongside burial benefits documentation. The VA issues these certificates automatically in most cases when a veteran's death is reported, though families can also request them directly if they weren't received.
Eligibility and Who Receives It
A deceased veteran is eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate if they were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes honorable discharges, general discharges, and medical discharges. The certificate goes to the next of kin or authorized representative listed on the veteran's records.
There's no waiting period. The VA can issue the certificate immediately after receiving notice of the veteran's death. If your family member's death hasn't resulted in a certificate yet, you can request one through VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Benefits. When you file this form for burial benefits, the VA processes both simultaneously.
Practical Steps to Obtain
- Request directly: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your local VA Regional Office with the veteran's DD-214 and death certificate.
- File with burial benefits: Submit VA Form 21P-530 to request burial benefits, funeral expense reimbursement, and the Presidential Memorial Certificate together.
- Provide documentation: Have the veteran's full name, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, and discharge status ready.
- Replacement requests: If the original certificate is lost or damaged, the VA will issue replacements at no charge. Contact the same office with your request.
Connection to Other VA Benefits
The Presidential Memorial Certificate is separate from monetary VA benefits like burial allowances or service-connected disability compensation. However, filing for it often triggers or streamlines other death-related benefits. When a surviving spouse or dependent files for burial benefits following a veteran's death, the VA typically issues the Presidential Memorial Certificate as part of the same claim process.
If the deceased veteran had an ongoing VA disability rating, their survivors may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which is a monthly payment. The death itself doesn't affect a surviving spouse's ability to appeal a denied disability claim on the veteran's behalf, though the process changes slightly after death.
Common Questions
- Do I need the veteran's DD-214 to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate? The DD-214 helps confirm discharge status, but if you don't have it, the VA can look it up using the veteran's name, Social Security number, and branch of service. The VA can issue the certificate without a physical copy in hand.
- How long does it take to receive the certificate? Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the VA receives your completed application. Expedited requests can be made through your local VA Regional Office if needed for memorial services.
- Can I request multiple copies of the Presidential Memorial Certificate? Yes. The VA provides one original certificate and will issue additional copies at no cost. This is helpful if multiple family members want framed copies or if one is damaged.