Federal benefitNational
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Family Members
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides tax-free monthly payments to surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans who died from service-related conditions. Eligibility and payment amounts vary based on the survivor's relationship to the deceased and specific circumstances of their death.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a federal benefit available to families of deceased military members and veterans. Surviving spouses may qualify if they lived continuously with the deceased (or were separated without fault) and married within 15 years of discharge or for at least one year, or had a child together. Remarriage after certain ages may preserve benefits. Unmarried children under age 18 (or 23 if attending school) may receive compensation. Parents who are biological, adoptive, or foster parents may qualify if their income falls below specified thresholds. Applicants must provide documentation such as military service records and medical evidence showing the death resulted from active duty service or a service-connected condition. The VA determines eligibility based on the type of death, military status at the time, and any service-connection to disability or illness. Payment amounts vary by survivor category and may increase for families with dependent children. Applicants can submit claims using specific VA forms, with assistance available through VA regional offices, accredited representatives, or online submission tools. The application process includes options to file an intent to claim beforehand to potentially receive retroactive payments.
Who may be eligible
- surviving_child
- Unmarried, under 18 (or under 23 if in school), not on spouse's compensation
- surviving_parent
- Biological, adoptive, or foster parent with income below specified threshold
- surviving_spouse
- Lived with deceased without break (or separated without fault) AND married within 15 years of discharge, married for 1+ year, or had child together
- death_requirement
- Service member died on active duty or in line of duty, or veteran died from service-connected illness/injury
Federal government
VA.gov - About VA DIC For Spouses, Dependents, And Parents ↗This is informational only and is not legal or financial advice. Confirm eligibility and details with the issuing agency before acting.