Survivor and dependent resources
If you've lost a veteran, start here. Everything on this page is free. No email, no account.
Start with these
- The First Weeks as a Survivor walks the first days and weeks in order.
- The one-year deadline. Some benefits have to be claimed within one year of the death. The Accrued Benefits and Substitution Guide explains it.
Free survivor guides
- The First Weeks as a Survivor. The First Weeks as a Survivor walks ten early steps after a veteran's death: check the death certificate, order copies, find the DD-214, report the death to VA, Social Security and DFAS, protect joint accounts, and list benefits with a representative. Education only. Download PDF
- The Accrued Benefits and Substitution Guide. The Accrued Benefits and Substitution Guide walks survivors through eight steps before the one-year wall: mark the date, find an open claim, confirm the order of survivors, choose VA Form 21P-0847, 21P-534EZ, or 21P-601, file with proof, track deadlines. Education only. Download PDF
- The DIC Guide for Survivors. The DIC Guide for Survivors walks ten steps: check the month-of-death payment, find the DIC path that fits, check the survivor rules, protect the first-year date, get free accredited help, file VA Form 21P-534EZ, and read the decision. Education only. Download PDF
- Filing a Surviving Spouse DIC Claim. Filing a Surviving Spouse DIC Claim walks eleven steps: find the path that fits, confirm the marriage rules, gather the claims file and certificates, complete VA Form 21P-534EZ with a cover letter, file within a year, and track it. Education only. Download PDF
- The Survivors Pension and Aid and Attendance Guide. The Survivors Pension and Aid and Attendance Guide walks ten steps: check service and survivor rules, see how pension and DIC fit, list income and care costs, avoid asset-transfer traps, document care needs on VA Form 21-2680, and file. Education only. Download PDF
- The CHAMPVA Guide for Survivors. The CHAMPVA Guide for Survivors walks ten steps: find what coverage ended, rule TRICARE in or out, check your veteran's VA status, keep Medicare Parts A and B, file VA Forms 10-10d and 10-7959c, and handle claims after enrollment. Education only. Download PDF
- The Burial and Military Honors Guide. The Burial and Military Honors Guide walks a family through eight steps: find the DD214, ask for funeral honors and the flag, choose a cemetery, order the marker, request the memorial certificate, and claim burial allowances on VA Form 21P-530EZ. Education only. Download PDF
- The Survivor Education Benefits Guide. The Survivor Education Benefits Guide covers Chapter 35 (DEA) and the Fry Scholarship in seven steps: write down key dates, match each person to a program, find time limits, check the DIC effect, and apply on VA Form 22-5490. Education only. Download PDF
Free survivor tools
- The Year That Does Not Move. Accrued benefits must be claimed within one year of the death, and that deadline does not stretch. Lists every survivor benefit to ask about, with a fillable family inventory worksheet. Download PDF
- Two More Questions. A death certificate answers only one DIC question. Explains contributory cause and the ten-year total rating route, with a fillable record worksheet for surviving families. Download PDF
Free help
An accredited Veterans Service Officer can help a surviving family file for these benefits at no cost. Find one here.
In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Free, confidential, 24/7.