Survivor Benefits
Overview
Survivor benefits are available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of eligible Veterans and Servicemembers.
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
Benefit Summary by Eligible Survivor
| Benefit | Spouse | Child | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Cemetery Burial | Yes | Yes | No |
| CHAMPVA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Continuance of Claim/Appeal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Tuition (varies by state) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Educational and Career Counseling | Yes | Yes | No |
| Federal Civil Service Preference | Yes | No | Yes |
| Life Insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medal of Honor Pension | Yes | No | No |
| Service Academy Nominations | No | Yes | No |
| Survivor Benefit Plan/RCSBP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Survivors Pension | Yes | Yes | No |
| VA Home Loan | Yes | No | No |
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Who Qualifies
Surviving spouses, children, and parents may receive DIC if the Veteran or Servicemember:
- Died from service-connected illness or injury
- Died from service-related condition never formally established during lifetime
- Died from VA medical care/treatment
- Died from participation in VA work programs like VR&E
- Had 100% disability rating for required period before death
100% Rating Requirements
If eligibility depends on 100% rating, it must have been: - In effect at least 10 years before death, OR - Continuous since military discharge for at least 5 years immediately before death, OR - In effect at least 1 year before death (for former POWs who died after September 30, 1999)
Note: TDIU counts as 100% for DIC purposes.
Spouse Eligibility Requirements
ONE of these conditions must apply: - Married before January 1, 1957 - Married within 15 years of Veteran's discharge from service period when condition started/worsened - Marriage lasted at least 1 year - Married with a child, lived together continuously until death
Critical: Marriage must be active at time of Veteran's death. Remarriage after death terminates DIC unless remarriage occurred on/after December 16, 2003, and survivor was age 57+.
DIC Rates
Additional amounts paid for: - Surviving spouses who are housebound - Surviving spouses who require aid and attendance - Parents needing aid and attendance - Each dependent child
Continuance of Claim/Appeal (Accrued Benefits)
Eligibility
If a Veteran had a pending disability claim or appeal at death, eligible dependents may continue or file appeals in the Veteran's name.
Key Limitation: New claims cannot be filed; only pending claims and appeals are permitted.
Time Limits
- Pending claims/appeals: Act within 1 year of Veteran's death
- Filing appeal of previous decision: Act within 1 year of claim decision
Payment Priority
- Spouse (full amount)
- Children (equal shares)
- Parents (equal shares)
CHAMPVA
Surviving spouses and children of eligible Veterans may receive health care coverage through CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA).
Eligibility
- Spouse/children of Veteran who:
- Died from service-connected disability, OR
- Was rated 100% P&T at time of death
Survivors Pension
Eligibility Requirements
- Veteran served during wartime
- Veteran died from non-service-connected causes
- Survivor income is below threshold
- Survivor not remarried (with exceptions)
Income Limits
- Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) varies
- Higher rates for housebound or aid and attendance
Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
Eligibility
Available to: - Spouses of Veterans rated 100% P&T - Children of Veterans rated 100% P&T - Survivors of Veterans who died from service-connected disability
Benefits
- Up to 45 months of education benefits
- Monthly stipend for approved programs
VA Home Loan Benefits
Surviving spouses may be eligible for VA home loan benefits to purchase, build, or refinance a home.
Eligibility
- Unmarried surviving spouse of Veteran who died from service-connected disability
- Unmarried surviving spouse of Veteran who was rated 100% and died from any cause
- Surviving spouse who remarried after age 57
How to Apply
DIC
- VA Form 21P-534EZ (spouse/child)
- VA Form 21P-535 (parent)
Accrued Benefits
- VA Form 21P-601
- VA Form 21P-0847 (substitution of claimant)
Survivors Pension
- VA Form 21P-534EZ
CHAMPVA
- VA Form 10-10d
Important Notes
- Cannot combine DIC and Survivors Pension (higher amount paid)
- CAN combine DIC with Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
- Benefits stop for those incarcerated over 60 days for felonies
- Contact a VSO for help navigating survivor benefits