SURVIVOR BENEFITS
VA Survivor Benefits and DIC for Eligible Spouses and Families
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, or in some cases parents of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected condition.
Quick answer: You may still qualify even if the Veteran wasn't rated 100% disabled or service-connected at the time of death, depending on the circumstances.
Who may qualify
- Surviving spouse: married at least 1 year (or had a child of the marriage), and not remarried before age 57
- Surviving child: unmarried and under 18 (or under 23 if in school, or disabled before age 18)
- Surviving parent: based on income
2026 DIC monthly amount — surviving spouse
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Base DIC rate | [insert current-year rate] |
Additional amounts may apply depending on dependents and circumstances. Live site currently shows a 2025 figure — refresh before launch.
Common filing challenges
- Complex eligibility requirements
- Insufficient military, medical, or other evidence
- Incomplete applications or missing documentation
Related survivor benefits
Survivors Pension, Aid & Attendance, and CHAMPVA health coverage may also apply. We'll walk through everything you may be eligible for in one review.
FAQs
Common questions
Do I need to already be receiving Survivors Pension to get Aid & Attendance?
No — this is a common misconception. Housebound and Aid & Attendance are enhanced benefits you can apply for directly.
What if I don't have the Veteran's DD214?
We can help you locate service records needed to verify eligibility.
Related Benefits
You may also want to look at
A CLEARER NEXT STEP
Find out what survivor benefits you may qualify for.
A calm, no-pressure conversation with an accredited representative.
Start My Benefits Assessment