Veterans Resources - Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation 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?

How Much is DIC?

Dependency and indemnity compensation is paid to a surviving spouse at the monthly rate of $967.

Additional Allowances:

a. Add $208 if at the time of the veteran's death, the veteran 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 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years. (38 U.S.C. 1311(a)(2))
b. Add the following allowance for each dependent child under age 18: * Effective 12/1/03 $241 per child (38 U.S.C. 1311(b))
c. If the surviving spouse is entitled to A&A, add $241. (38 U.S.C. 1311(c))
d. If the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound, add $115 (38 U.S.C. 1311(d))

*DIC apportionment rates approved by the Under Secretary for Benefits under 38 CFR 3.461(b) will be the additional allowance received for each child.

Whenever there is no surviving spouse of a deceased veteran entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid in equal shares to the children of the deceased veteran at the following monthly rates divided by the number of children:

1. one child, $410;
2. two children, $585;
3. three children, $767; and
4. more than three children, $767, plus $148 for each child in excess of three.

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.

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