VA Survivor Benefits: What You Need to Know
If you’re the widow of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, the VA may owe you Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.
These VA death benefits for spouses can help provide financial relief during an undoubtedly difficult time. Read on for more information about DIC, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
Ready to get started on your claim? Contact us today.
"*" indicates required fields
20K+
clients helped
$1B+
recovered
40
years of
experience
Why should you apply for VA DIC benefits?
You could receive more than $1,699.36 a month with DIC.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits help financially support your family after the loss of a veteran. Those payments start at $1,699.36 per month, and you could receive even more if you’re disabled or caring for a child. We know money won’t erase the grief of losing a loved one, but these VA survivor benefits can help you keep up with the bills while you look after yourself and your family.
You may be closer to DIC VA benefits than you think.
Many assume they aren’t eligible to receive veterans survivor benefits for widows, even when they are. The VA’s rules can be confusing and you could receive a denial even though you qualify. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll review your case and work to get you the monthly payments your family deserves, even if the veteran’s cause of death has not yet been service-connected.
DIC eligibility requirements
Here are the qualifications that must be met for a survivor to receive VA widow benefits following the death of a spouse.
DIC qualifications for veterans
A spouse who applies for DIC VA benefits must provide evidence that one of the following is true about their veterans:
- The service member died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive-duty training, or
- The veteran died from a service-connected illness or injury (or the veteran’s service-connected disability contributed to the veteran’s passing), or
- The veteran didn’t die from a service-connected illness or injury but was eligible to receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least ten years immediately before death, with some exceptions.
DIC qualifications for surviving spouses
To receive VA DIC benefits, a spouse must have lived with the veteran without a break until the veteran’s death. If the couple was separated, the law says the widow can still collect payments if not at “fault” for the separation.
A surviving spouse must also meet one of the following conditions:
- Married the veteran within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse, or
- Married to the veteran for at least one year, or
- Had a child with the veteran
Can a widow of a veteran remarry and receive DIC benefits?
Yes, here are the circumstances in which a widow can remarry and continue receiving VA DIC benefits:
- If you remarried on or after Dec. 16, 2003, and you were 57 years of age or older at the time you remarried, or
- If you remarried on or after Jan. 5, 2021, and you were 55 years of age or older at the time you remarried
Dependency and indemnity compensation payment amounts
Widows who are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) receive a monthly payment of $1,699.36. They will receive additional amounts under the following circumstances:
- Add $360.85 if the veteran at the time of death was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on Individual Unemployability) for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same eight years
- Add $421.00 for each dependent child under 18 years old
- Add $421.00 if the surviving spouse is entitled to Aid and Attendance benefits
- Add $197.22 if the surviving spouse is housebound
- Add $359.00 for the first two years after the veteran’s death if the surviving spouse has one or more children under 18 regardless of the number of children
Get help with your veterans’ survivor benefits claim
Woods & Woods has worked with many widows and widowers. We have seen the weight of their grief after losing a spouse — especially one who proudly served and sacrificed for their country.
The last thing a surviving spouse wants to deal with during the grieving process is the VA. Yet, the years of medical bills and the loss of a veteran’s VA disability payments can be financially devastating.
If you have not yet filed an application for DIC benefits, we can help. Woods & Woods never charges to help you file, and if the VA grants you benefits on the initial application, you owe us nothing. If you hire us to handle your appeal, we never ask for money upfront. We will only charge a fee (a percentage of back pay) and case expenses if we win, and we will never touch your future benefits.
How It Works
Free Case Evaluation
Talk to a real person about your case at no cost.
Comprehensive Legal Representation
Our VA-accredited attorneys offer decades of experience with veteran’s claims. We’ll manage your case, communicate with the VA, and advocate on your behalf.
Zero Fees Unless We Win
We don’t get paid until you win.
What Our Clients Say
Average Rating:
I sought the assistance of an attorney for help with my disability claims with the VA for service connected conditions from my time in Vietnam in the Navy. After researching many with the expertise of VA claims, I chose Woods and Woods, LLC. And I am so happy I did! For many years, I handled all of the claim submissions with the help of my wife, AMVETS and DAV. Little by little, I received small awards for several of my service connected conditions. When I felt I could go no further with the appeal process, I turned to Woods and Woods, LLC. Throughout the process over two years, the entire team kept in touch with me via email and telephone. They explained everything clearly and if they didn't have an immediate answer to my question, they researched and got back to me in a timely manner. Woods and Woods, LLC exceeded my expectations in the positive outcome of my claims as I was awarded Total and Permanent Disability. I highly recommend them to the Veteran who needs professional, experienced guidance on their VA disability claims.
Woods & Woods got me approved on my TDIU claim. If you are in need of legal services these are the people to go to. Thank you and your team.
Absolutely great results for my disability claim, I went from 10% to 100%. I can't imagine you would want to hire any other company, you can't go wrong with this company. I worked with Madeline and she was absolutely the best, she was very pleasant positive the best attitude, respectful and loves her job. Call them today if you even think you have a small possibility of a claim, you might have a better chance than you think KEVIN
After being denied I was about to give up deciding to let them appeal. They won my case . Give them a try
Woods & Woods is a blessing from the Lord. I cannot believe how patient and knowledgeable they are. They never give up on you and will see your claims through the end. They are willing and honest. I could not have done this without them. They are truly amazing. If you need assistance with anything please contact them directly. It’s worth it. Be patient with them and they will help you out with your claims. Godspeed!!!
Total Reviews: 1841
