VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)

 

DIC Basic Facts:

 

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of:

• Service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training

• Veterans who died as a result of a service-connected injury or disease

• Veterans who did not die as a result of a service-connected injury or disease, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability:
• For at least 10 years before death, OR

• Since their release from active duty and for at least five years before death, OR

• For at least one year before death, if they were a former prisoner of war and died after Sept. 30, 1999

 

Surviving Spouses

You may be eligible for DIC benefits if you are a surviving spouse who:

• Married a Service member who died on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training, OR
• Married the deceased Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, OR
• Married a Veteran who died from a service-connected injury or disease, as long as the marriage began within 15 years of discharge, OR
• Married the deceased Veteran for at least one year,OR
• Had a child with the Veteran and cohabitated with the Veteran until their death
• Note: If you have a child with the Veteran but were separated, you must not be at fault for the separation and not be remarried in order to be eligible
• Note: If you remarried on or after Dec. 16, 2003 and were at least 57 years old, you may still be eligible.

For information regarding DIC for Children and Parents go to About VA DIC for Spouses, Dependents, and Parents

Download What to do Before a Veteran Dies from the American Legion
  Download PDF Links to VA Burial Forms

 

Current DIC Rates for Spouses and Dependents

If you qualify, you can get tax-free monetary benefits. The amount you receive depends on the type of survivor you are:

 
• DIC Benefit Rates for Surviving Spouses and Children


• DIC Benefits for Surviving Parents

 

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