Survivor Benefits
Overview
The VA provides ongoing support to surviving family members of veterans and service members who meet certain requirements. Spouses, children, and parents each have access to different benefit programs.
Important Message: If you are looking up this information because you are considering harming yourself, KNOW that your FAMILY would MUCH rather have you with them than any of these benefits!
Crisis Support: Call 988 (press 1) or text 838255
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC provides monthly tax-free payments to qualifying survivors.
Qualifying Circumstances
Survivors may receive DIC when the veteran or service member:
- Died as a direct result of a service-connected injury or illness
- Had an unestablished service-related condition that caused death
- Died due to VA medical treatment or vocational rehabilitation
- Held a 100% disability rating for a sufficient period before death
Time Requirements for 100% Rating
When DIC eligibility depends on the veteran's 100% rating, that rating must have been in place: - For at least 10 years before death, OR - Since discharge and for 5+ years immediately prior to death, OR - For at least 1 year before death (former POWs who died after September 30, 1999)
Note: TDIU qualifies as a 100% rating for DIC purposes.
Marriage Requirements for Spouses
At least one condition must be met: - Marriage occurred before January 1, 1957 - Marriage occurred within 15 years of discharge from the period when the fatal condition began - Marriage lasted one year or longer - Marriage produced a child and both parties lived together until death
Remarriage Impact: DIC ends upon remarriage unless the surviving spouse remarried on or after December 16, 2003, while age 57 or older.
Increased DIC Amounts
Higher payments apply for: - Housebound surviving spouses - Surviving spouses requiring aid and attendance - Parents requiring aid and attendance - Each dependent child in the household
Who Receives Which Benefits
| Benefit | Spouse | Child | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Cemetery Burial | Yes | Yes | No |
| CHAMPVA Health Coverage | Yes | Yes | No |
| Continue Pending Claims | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DIC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DEA Education Benefits | Yes | Yes | No |
| State Tuition Waivers | Yes | Yes | No |
| Career Counseling | Yes | Yes | No |
| Federal Employment Preference | Yes | No | Yes |
| Life Insurance Proceeds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medal of Honor Pension | Yes | No | No |
| Service Academy Nomination | No | Yes | No |
| Survivor Benefit Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Survivors Pension | Yes | Yes | No |
| VA Home Loan | Yes | No | No |
Accrued Benefits from Pending Claims
Who Can Continue
When a veteran dies with an active disability claim or appeal, eligible survivors can pursue that claim.
Critical Rule: Only pending claims may be continued—no new claims can be filed on the deceased veteran's behalf.
Deadlines
- Take action on pending claims within 1 year of the veteran's death
- File appeals of previous decisions within 1 year of the decision date
Payment Order
- Surviving spouse receives the full amount
- If no spouse, children split equally
- If no spouse or children, parents split equally
CHAMPVA Health Coverage
Surviving spouses and children may qualify for VA-sponsored health insurance.
Requirements
The veteran must have: - Died from a service-connected condition, OR - Held a 100% Permanent and Total rating at death
Survivors Pension
Who Qualifies
- Veteran served during a designated wartime period
- Death was not service-connected
- Survivor's income falls below established thresholds
- Survivor hasn't remarried (exceptions apply)
Payment Amounts
The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) varies based on circumstances. Higher amounts apply for survivors who are housebound or need aid and attendance.
Education Benefits (DEA/Chapter 35)
Eligible Recipients
- Spouses of veterans with 100% P&T rating
- Children of veterans with 100% P&T rating
- Survivors when the veteran died from a service-connected cause
What's Provided
- Up to 45 months of education benefit payments
- Monthly stipend amounts depend on enrollment status and program type
VA Home Loan Eligibility
Surviving spouses may use VA home loan guarantees for purchasing, building, or refinancing.
Qualifying Circumstances
- Unmarried surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected causes
- Unmarried surviving spouse of veteran who was 100% rated at death
- Surviving spouse who remarried after turning 57
Filing for Benefits
DIC Applications
- Spouses/Children: VA Form 21P-534EZ
- Parents: VA Form 21P-535
Accrued Benefits
- VA Form 21P-601
- VA Form 21P-0847 for claim substitution
Survivors Pension
- VA Form 21P-534EZ
CHAMPVA Enrollment
- VA Form 10-10d
Key Points to Remember
- DIC and Survivors Pension cannot be received simultaneously—VA pays the higher amount
- DIC can be combined with military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments
- Felony incarceration exceeding 60 days suspends benefit payments
- Working with a Veterans Service Organization simplifies the application process