By what deadline must Form 21-530 be filed after the date of final disposition?

• A. Within 1 year
• B. Before the date of final disposition
• C. Within 2 years of the date of final disposition
• D. Within 5 years of final disposition

Answer: (C)

Form 21-530 is the application used to claim VA burial benefits, so the timing of the filing is tied to the burial event itself. The deadline is within two years after the date of final disposition, which is the date the burial or interment takes place. Filing within this two-year window ensures the claim is linked to the actual burial costs and events, and helps the family receive eligible benefits such as burial allowance, plot or interment allowance, and related transportation costs.

In practice, this means families or their representatives should prepare and submit the form promptly after the burial. While the two-year limit is the standard rule, VA can consider late filings if there is a showing of good cause for the delay.