VETERAN TOOLSDIC Survivor Preparation Guide
After a loss, it can help to work through one task at a time. This guide helps you organize a conversation about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a VA survivor benefit. It does not determine eligibility or estimate a payment.
Build a local, printable preparation checklist →
Start with the questions that apply to you
- Surviving spouses: Ask about marriage timing, separation, and any remarriage. Dates and circumstances matter; a single age cutoff is not a complete screening rule.
- Surviving children: Ask about age, school or support circumstances, marital status, and whether the child is included in a spouse’s compensation.
- Surviving parents: Ask about qualifying parent relationship, income, and evidence about the death. Parent requirements differ from spouse and child requirements.
- Not sure: Leave the question open and ask for help. An unknown answer does not establish or rule out eligibility.
Review VA’s current DIC requirements with VA or an accredited representative. Use that official page for current payment-rate links as well.
Find the relevant official form
| Preparing for | Official starting point |
|---|---|
| A veteran’s surviving spouse or child | VA Form 21P-534EZ |
| Spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty | Work with the military casualty assistance officer on VA Form 21P-534a |
| A surviving parent | VA Form 21P-535 |
Follow the current form instructions for evidence and submission. Choosing a form does not establish eligibility.
Make the conversation easier
- Put the records and VA letters you already have in one folder. Keep originals safe.
- Write down what is missing and what you want to ask. You do not need to enter personal details into our checklist.
- Ask which records matter for your circumstances. Do not guess about a requirement just to fill a gap.
- Ask about filing dates, any intent to file, and how other survivor benefits interact before you submit. Get advice specific to the claim you are preparing.
- Keep a copy of anything you submit and its confirmation.
The DIC preparation tool keeps selections only in the open page. It does not send the selections, save them to an account or browser storage, or submit an application. Reloading clears the checklist. A printed copy can help you continue the conversation offline.
Sources checked September 9, 2026: the VA DIC overview and the three official form pages linked above. This is a preparation guide; consult current official instructions for program rules and rates.