DEPENDENTS & SURVIVORS

VA honors the sacrifices of Service members’ and Veterans’ dependents and survivors through many benefit programs.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly benefit paid to a surviving spouse, including additional payments for dependent children. It is available to an eligible spouse of a Service member who died during active military service or from a service-connected disability, or of a Veteran who was rated totally disabled at the time of death. Parents’ DIC is paid to surviving parents based on financial need.

The surviving spouse and child(ren) who are eligible for DIC are also eligible for the following:

• The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides reimbursement for most medical expenses.
• The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) provides assistance to obtain a degree and pursue other eligible education and training.
• A Survivors’ Pension is a monthly benefit payable to a low-income surviving spouse and child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.