Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Who Qualifies for DIC?
Surviving spouses of veterans who:
• Died from a service-connected disability, OR
• Were rated 100% P&T continuously for 10+ years before death (even if cause of death was unrelated), OR
• Were rated 100% for 5+ years from discharge and died from any cause, OR
• Were a POW for any period and died from any cause
Children's DIC
Surviving children under 18 (or under 23 if in school) each receive $340.95/month if there is no surviving spouse. If there is a surviving spouse, children may receive transitional benefits for 2 years.
CHAMPVA Health Insurance
Free Health Coverage for Survivors
Surviving spouses and children of 100% P&T veterans (or veterans who died from a service-connected condition) qualify for CHAMPVA — comprehensive health insurance at no premium cost. CHAMPVA covers 75% of approved medical costs after a $50/year deductible per person ($100 family max). Medicare-eligible survivors can use both — CHAMPVA as secondary coverage eliminates most out-of-pocket costs.
Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33)
36 Months of Post-9/11 GI Bill for Survivors
Children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (Chapter 33). This covers full tuition at public schools, a housing allowance (MHA), and a books/supplies stipend. Spouses can use it immediately; children must wait until their parent would have reached 100% of the benefit.
Additional Survivor Benefits
- VA Home Loan: Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may use the VA home loan benefit with no funding fee.
- Burial Benefits: VA pays for burial in a national cemetery at no cost. A $2,000 burial allowance is available for service-connected deaths. Headstones and markers are free.
- Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): For survivors of military retirees who elected SBP, monthly payments equal 55% of the veteran's retirement base. SBP and DIC can now both be received simultaneously (Widow's Tax repeal, effective 2023).
- State Survivor Benefits: Many states extend property tax exemptions, vehicle registration discounts, and education benefits to surviving spouses. Check your state's veteran services office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a surviving spouse lose DIC if they remarry?
Generally yes — remarriage before age 57 terminates DIC eligibility. However, remarriage after age 57 does not terminate DIC. If a remarriage ends (divorce or death of new spouse), DIC eligibility may be restored. Each situation is unique — contact a VA regional office or accredited VSO.
How do I apply for DIC?
File VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits). Include the veteran's death certificate and marriage certificate. Applications can be filed at VA.gov, through a VSO, or mailed to the VA's centralized mail intake center.
Can a surviving spouse receive both DIC and Social Security?
Yes — DIC is not counted as income for Social Security purposes and does not reduce survivor Social Security benefits. Many survivors receive both simultaneously. Additionally, CHAMPVA and Medicare can coordinate together, often eliminating out-of-pocket medical costs entirely.