Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION (DIC)

(38 CFR § 3.22 DIC benefits for survivors of certain veterans):

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly tax free benefit paid to eligible survivors of:

• Service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training, OR

• Veterans who died as a result of a service-connected injury or disease, OR

• Veterans who did not die as a result of a service-connected injury or disease, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability (100% or TDIU):

  • For at least 10 years before death, OR

  • Since their release from active duty and for at least five years before death, OR

  • For at least one year before death, if they were a former prisoner of war and died after Sept.30, 1999.

Notes:

• In 2025 the monthly payment rate is: $1,653.07 for a spouse

• In 2025, if the Veteran was 100% or IU for 8 years prior to death, there is an additional $351.02/mo.

• In 2025, if the dependent children can get up to $409.53/mo.      

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Surviving Spouses

You may be eligible for DIC benefits if you are a surviving spouse who:

• Married a Service member who died on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training, OR

• Married the deceased Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, OR

• Married a Veteran who died from a service-connected injury or disease, as long as

the marriage began within 15 years of discharge, OR

• Married the deceased Veteran for at least one year, OR

• Had a child with the Veteran and cohabitated with the Veteran until their death.

Note: If you have a child with the Veteran but were separated, you must not be at fault for the separation and not be remarried in order to be eligible.

Note: If you remarried on or after Dec. 16, 2003 and were at least 55 years old, you may still be eligible.

Note: Additional money for spousal Aid & Attendance ($409.53) OR spousal being housebound ($191.85)

Surviving Children

If you are a surviving child, you may be eligible for DIC if the Veteran parent:

• Died in the line of duty, OR

• Died as a result of a service-connected injury or disease.

 You also must be unmarried and either:

• Under the age of 18, OR

• Between the ages of 18 and 23 and currently attending school.

Certain helpless adult children may also be eligible.

Parents

If you are a surviving parent, you may be eligible for DIC if the Veteran child:

• Died in the line of duty, OR

• Died as a result of a service-connected injury or disease. 

If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ). Your FREE County Veteran Services office can help.