Survivor Benefits Path
Losing someone who served is something no guide can make easier. But when you are ready, the information here can help you understand the financial support, healthcare, and memorial benefits available to you and your family. Take your time.
Grief does not follow a schedule, and neither do you. This guide is here when you need it. Read through it now or save it for later. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can also walk you through these steps for free whenever you are ready.
Benefits Earned Through Service
Surviving spouses, children, and parents may be eligible for multiple federal benefits based on the veteran's service and sacrifice.
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Monthly, tax-free benefit for survivors of service-connected deaths or 100% P&T veterans.
Survivors Pension
Needs-based monthly benefit for low-income survivors of wartime veterans.
Burial & Memorial Benefits
National cemetery burial, headstones, markers, and burial allowances.
FWD Assist Note
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a monthly, tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members or veterans. No income limits apply.
Who Qualifies for DIC?
Surviving Spouse Eligibility
You may qualify if your spouse:
- •Died from a service-connected condition, OR
- •Was rated 100% P&T for 10+ years before death, OR
- •Was rated 100% P&T for 5+ years from discharge until death, OR
- •Was a former POW who died after September 30, 1999
Surviving Children & Parents
Children:
- •Unmarried and under 18 (or 23 if in school)
- •Became permanently disabled before age 18
Parents:
- •Income-based eligibility (lower than DIC for spouses)
💡 Key Point: To qualify for DIC, surviving spouses generally must have been married to the veteran for at least one year before death, or have had a child with the veteran. If the veteran's death was service-connected, different marriage duration requirements may apply. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for complex situations.
DIC Payment Rates (2024)
Base Monthly Rate (Surviving Spouse)
$1,612.75
Tax-free monthly payment with annual cost-of-living adjustments
Additional Monthly Amounts For:
Aid and Attendance
If you're housebound or need daily assistance
Dependent Children
Additional payments for each qualifying child
Transitional DIC
Extra support for first 2 years after death
8-Year Enhancement
If veteran was 100% P&T for 8+ years before death
How to Apply for DIC
Application Form
Use VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits)
Evidence You'll Need
Veteran's Records
- DD214 or separation papers
- Death certificate
- VA rating decisions (if available)
Relationship Proof
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Divorce decrees (if applicable)
Medical Evidence
- Autopsy reports (if available)
- Medical records linking death to service
- VA medical records
FWD Assist Warning
A Note on Timing: DIC payments can be backdated to the date of the veteran's death if you apply within one year. After that, benefits generally start from the date you file. There is no penalty for filing later, but filing sooner may mean more financial support when you need it most. A VSO can help you get started when you feel ready.
Survivors Pension: Needs-Based Support
Survivors Pension is a tax-free monthly benefit for unremarried surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans. Income and asset limits apply.
💡 Key Difference from DIC:
- •DIC is for survivors of service-connected deaths or 100% P&T veterans (no income limits)
- •Survivors Pension is for low-income survivors of wartime veterans (income/asset limits apply)
- •You cannot receive both—VA pays whichever is higher (usually DIC)
Who Qualifies for Survivors Pension?
Veteran Requirements (at time of death)
- ✓If service was before September 8, 1980:
- • At least 90 days of active duty
- • At least one day during a wartime period
- • Discharge other than dishonorable
- ✓If service was on or after September 8, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officers):
- • Generally 24 months or the full period for which called to active duty
- • At least one day during a wartime period
- • Discharge other than dishonorable
Survivor Requirements
- ✓Surviving Spouse: Unmarried (or remarried after age 57)
- ✓Dependent Child: Unmarried and under 18 (or 23 if in school)
- ✓Income and net worth below VA limits
Recognized Wartime Periods
The veteran must have served during one of these wartime periods (at least one day):
World War II
December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean War
June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam War
February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975
Gulf War
August 2, 1990 – present
Income and Asset Requirements
Survivors Pension is needs-based. Your eligibility depends on:
Important: Unreimbursed medical expenses can reduce both your countable income and net worth, potentially increasing your eligibility.
Countable Income
Your income must be below VA yearly limits:
- •Includes: wages, Social Security, pensions, investment income
Net Worth Limits
Your net worth must be below VA thresholds:
- •Includes: bank accounts, investments, and property (primary residency typically excluded)
FWD Assist Note
Cannot Receive Both: If you qualify for both DIC and Survivors Pension, the VA will pay whichever benefit is higher. In most cases, DIC provides a higher monthly payment and has no income limits.
Burial & Memorial Benefits: Honoring Service
Veterans who served honorably are entitled to burial in a national cemetery at no cost, along with headstones, markers, and memorial flags.
National Cemetery Burial (No Cost)
What's Included:
- ✓Gravesite in a national cemetery
- ✓Opening and closing of the grave
- ✓Perpetual care of the gravesite
- ✓Government headstone or marker
- ✓Burial flag
- ✓Presidential Memorial Certificate
Eligible Family Members: Spouses and minor children can also be buried in a national cemetery alongside the veteran at no cost.
VA Burial Allowances (Financial Assistance)
If you choose private burial instead of a national cemetery, the VA may reimburse certain costs:
Service-Connected Death
Up to $2,000 burial allowance
Plus $892 plot allowance
Non-Service-Connected Death
Up to $796 burial allowance
Plus $796 plot allowance
Transportation
Reimbursement for transporting remains to national cemetery
Headstones, Markers & Medallions (Free)
The VA provides a headstone or marker at no cost for veterans buried in private cemeteries:
- •Bronze, granite, or marble headstones
- •Flat markers for graves
- •Niche markers for cremated remains
- •Presidential Memorial Certificates
- •Medallions to affix to private headstones (identifies veteran status)
How to Apply: Use VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker)
FWD Assist Note
Pre-Planning: You can pre-arrange burial in a national cemetery before need arises. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 or visit VA.gov/burials-memorials.
Additional Survivor Benefits
Beyond DIC, Survivors Pension, and burial benefits, there are education, housing, and healthcare programs available to survivors.
Fry Scholarship (Education)
Children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11/2001 may qualify for:
- ✓Up to 36 months of education benefits
- ✓Monthly housing allowance
- ✓Book stipend
VA Home Loan Guarantee
Surviving spouses may retain eligibility for VA home loan benefits:
- ✓Zero down payment
- ✓No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- ✓Competitive interest rates
CHAMPVA Healthcare
If you're a survivor of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition, you may qualify for:
- ✓Full health coverage
- ✓Prescription drug coverage
- ✓Mental health services
Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
Chapter 35 benefits for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died from service-connected conditions:
- ✓Up to 45 months of education benefits
- ✓Monthly stipend for tuition and fees
FWD Assist Note
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like DAV, VFW, and American Legion provide free help with survivor benefit applications and appeals. They can walk you through the paperwork at your own pace.