Survivors
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
A tax-free monthly benefit for the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition. Estimate yours below - no sign-up required.
Estimate your survivor benefit
Use the interactive estimator below to see what your family's monthly DIC could look like. Every figure uses published VA rates - there is nothing to sign up for, and nothing is shared until you ask for help.
For the families left behind
Survivor benefits are more than one check
When a veteran passes, their family can be entitled to steady monthly income, health coverage, education for their children, help with the home, and a dignified burial. Most families never hear the full list - and some of it has a deadline.
This page walks you through it gently, one step at a time. Start with the DIC estimate, then see the other benefits that come with survivor status.
$1,699/mo
Base surviving-spouse DIC, before any add-ons
100% tax-free
DIC is never taxed as federal income
1-year window
To claim accrued benefits already earned
Your interactive DIC estimator
Answer a few plain questions. The estimate updates as you go - no personal details required.
Who are you to the veteran?
How did the veteran pass?
Why this matters: DIC is a flat, tax-free amount that ignores your income. Survivors Pension is need-based and depends on income and net worth. You cannot collect both at once - the VA pays whichever is greater, so it is worth checking both.
Your DIC estimate
Dependent children under 18
Each child adds +$421.00/mo
Additional amounts you may qualify for
Estimated monthly DIC
$1,699.36
About $20,392 per year, tax-free
- Base surviving-spouse rate
- $1,699.36
- Estimated over 10 years
- $203,923+
Estimate only. Rates adjust yearly with the COLA. Confirm the current amount on va.gov.
Do you qualify for DIC as a spouse?
Most surviving spouses qualify by meeting any one of these. Check the ones that are true for you.
Even if none are checked, you may still qualify under the 10-year rule (if the veteran was rated 100% or TDIU for the 10 years before death). And remarriage does not end your DIC if you remarried at age 57 or older - or 55 or older for remarriages on or after Jan 5, 2021.
Your family's complete benefit picture
$203,923+
That is the base surviving-spouse DIC alone over 10 years - before add-ons, and before the health, education, housing, and burial benefits below. It is worth getting a full review.
Do not miss this
Accrued benefits - the money already earned
If the veteran had a claim pending or was owed money when they passed, that money does not disappear. It becomes an accrued benefit the family can claim - but there is a hard one-year deadline from the date of death.
Example: a veteran with a disability increase pending passes before it is decided. Once approved, the back pay owed can be paid to the surviving spouse - if the claim is filed in time on VA Form 21P-534EZ or 21P-601.
One-year deadline
File within one year of the date of death. File on VA Form 21P-534EZ (with DIC) or 21P-601 (on its own).
Who gets paid, in order
Surviving spouse first, then the veteran's children, then a dependent parent, and finally whoever paid the burial costs.
A clear path forward
Your first-year action plan
There is no rush and no pressure - but a little order helps. Here is the path most families follow.
Right away
Report the death to the VA
Call the VA at 800-827-1000 to report the veteran's passing. This stops any pending payments cleanly and opens the door to survivor benefits.
Within weeks
File for DIC or Survivors Pension
Submit VA Form 21P-534EZ with the death certificate and marriage certificate. This one form can start DIC, Survivors Pension, and accrued benefits at once.
Within 1 year
Claim accrued benefits
Ask for any money the VA already owed the veteran on a pending or existing claim. Miss the one-year window and this money can be lost for good.
After the award
Turn on companion benefits
Once DIC is approved, layer on CHAMPVA health coverage, education for your children, home-loan help, and burial honors.
Other benefits that come with survivor status
DIC is the start. These benefits often stack on top - tap any card to learn more.
Get a free survivor-benefits review
Tell us how to reach you and an accredited team member will walk you through everything your family may be owed. No cost, no obligation.
You should not have to figure this out alone
Talk with our free assistant whenever you feel ready, or speak with an accredited specialist who understands exactly what your family is going through.
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