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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

 

The information below was taken from the US department of Veterans Affairs web site

What Is DIC?
DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of a

• Military service member who died while on active duty, OR
• Veteran whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease, OR
• Veteran whose death resulted from a non service-related injury or disease, and who was receiving, or was entitled to receive, VA Compensation

o for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling for at least 10 years immediately before death, OR
o since the veteran’s release from active duty and for at least five years immediately preceding death, OR
o for at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.

Who is Eligible?
The surviving spouse if he or she:

• validly married the veteran before January 1, 1957, OR
• was married to a service member who died on active duty, OR
• married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the veteran’s death began or was aggravated, OR
• was married to the veteran for at least one year, OR
• had a child with the veteran, AND
• cohabited with the veteran continuously until the veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation, AND
• is not currently remarried.*

*Note: A surviving spouse who remarries on or after December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.

The surviving child(ren), if he/she is:

• not included on the surviving spouse’s DIC
• unmarried AND
• under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.

(Note: Certain helpless adult children are entitled to DIC. Call the toll-free number below for the eligibility requirements for those survivors.)

The surviving parent(s) may be eligible for an income-based benefit. See our fact sheet, Parents’ DIC, or call the toll-free number below for more information.

How Much Does VA Pay?
The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,357.56 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $336.32 to the surviving spouse’s monthly DIC if there are children under age 18. The amount is based on a family unit, not individual children. It is paid for two years from the date that entitlement to DIC commences, but is discontinued earlier when there is no child under age 18 or no child on the surviving spouse’s DIC for any reason.

How Should a Claimant Apply?
Claimants should complete VA Form 21-534ez (Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child), and submit it to the VA regional office serving the claimant’s area. Call the toll-free number below for information about supporting materials that VA may need to process a DIC claim.

What are Some Related Benefits?
Health Care (CHAMPVA) Federal Employment Pre
Home Loan Guaranty Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
or Visit VA's Web Site at va.gov