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Dependency & Indemnity Compensation

Eligibility | What VA Pays | How to Apply

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

Who are eligible survivors for DIC ?

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.

The surviving child(ren) if he or she is:

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 for the eligibility requirements for those survivors.)

The surviving parents 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 $948 for eligible surviving spouses. In some cases, VA can pay more; for example, because of dependent children. Call the toll-free number below for information about rates paid to eligible children. [NOTE: When the surviving spouse is eligible for payments under the military’s Survivor Benefit Program (SBP), only the amount of SBP greater than DIC is payable. If DIC is greater than SBP, only DIC is payable.]

How Can You Apply ?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-534 (Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child), and submitting it to the VA regional office that serves your area. Call the toll-free number below for information about supporting materials that VA may need to process your claim.

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

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