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Losing a veteran family member is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face, and navigating the VA benefits system during that time can feel overwhelming. The VA provides a range of benefits to surviving spouses, children, and in some cases parents of deceased veterans. These benefits include monthly compensation payments, burial and memorial benefits, education assistance, health care coverage, and more. Understanding what is available and how to apply can help families access the support they are entitled to during an already difficult time.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is the primary monetary benefit for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died from service-connected causes. DIC is a tax-free monthly payment. For 2026, the base rate for a surviving spouse is approximately $1,612 per month. Additional amounts are added for each dependent child, and a higher rate applies if the veteran was rated totally disabled for at least eight continuous years before death and the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for at least eight years. DIC is also payable if the veteran death was caused by a service-connected condition or if the veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled for at least 10 years immediately preceding death (or for at least 5 years from the date of discharge).
Eligibility for DIC requires that the veteran died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; died from a service-connected injury or disease; or died from a non-service-connected cause but was continuously rated totally disabled from service-connected conditions for at least 10 years before death, at least 5 years from the date of military discharge, or for at least 1 year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war. The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of death and must not have remarried (with certain exceptions for remarriages after age 57 or after December 16, 2003).
Children may receive DIC independently or in addition to a surviving spouse benefit. Eligible children include unmarried children under age 18, unmarried children between 18 and 23 who are attending a VA-approved school, and children who became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18. The DIC rate for each child varies depending on whether a surviving spouse is also receiving DIC. If there is no surviving spouse, the children receive a higher combined rate that is divided among them.
Accrued benefits are an important but often overlooked component of survivor benefits. When a veteran dies with a pending VA claim, or when the veteran was owed benefits that had not yet been paid at the time of death, those benefits may be payable to eligible survivors. This includes any retroactive compensation, pension, or other benefits that the VA had approved but not yet disbursed. Survivors must file a claim for accrued benefits within one year of the veteran death. The claim is filed using VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits).
VA burial benefits help offset the cost of a veteran funeral and burial. The VA provides a burial allowance (a flat payment toward burial and funeral costs), a plot or interment allowance (for veterans not buried in a national cemetery), and a headstone or marker at no cost. The amounts for burial allowances vary based on whether the death was service-connected. For service-connected deaths, the VA pays up to $2,000 for burial expenses (this amount may be higher). For non-service-connected deaths, the allowance is lower. The plot allowance covers a portion of the cost of a burial plot in a private cemetery. These amounts are adjusted periodically.
National Cemetery burial is available to eligible veterans at no cost. The VA National Cemetery Administration operates over 155 national cemeteries across the country. Eligible veterans receive: a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care of the gravesite, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Spouses and eligible dependents may also be buried in a national cemetery. There is no charge for these services. Pre-need eligibility determination is available for veterans who want to plan ahead, and the VA encourages veterans to apply for pre-need determination to simplify the process for their families.
Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMCs) are engraved certificates signed by the current President that honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans. PMCs are available to eligible family members at no cost and can be requested by submitting a copy of the veteran DD-214 and death certificate to the VA. Multiple copies can be requested for different family members. While the PMC has no monetary value, many families find it to be a meaningful recognition of their loved one service.
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35) provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions or who died from service-connected causes. DEA provides up to 36 months of education benefits, including a monthly stipend for attending school. Eligible dependents include spouses (who must use the benefit within 10 years of eligibility determination or within 20 years of the veteran death), and children (who can use the benefit between ages 18 and 26, with some exceptions). DEA can be used for college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other approved programs.
The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Unlike DEA, which provides a flat monthly stipend, the Fry Scholarship provides the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits including tuition payment, housing allowance, and book stipend. Dependents who are eligible for both DEA and the Fry Scholarship can choose which to use but cannot use both simultaneously. The Fry Scholarship is generally the more valuable benefit due to the housing allowance and higher overall coverage.
CHAMPVA health coverage is available to surviving spouses and children who are not eligible for TRICARE. If the veteran died from a service-connected condition or was rated permanently and totally disabled at the time of death, the surviving spouse and dependent children may qualify for CHAMPVA. This cost-sharing health insurance program covers medical care, prescriptions, and other health services. CHAMPVA is particularly important for surviving spouses who may not have other health insurance after the veteran death.
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and DIC interaction is a complex issue that affects many military survivor families. SBP is a Department of Defense program that provides a portion of the retiree military pay to their surviving spouse after death. DIC is a VA benefit. Historically, there was a dollar-for-dollar offset between SBP and DIC, meaning survivors essentially received one or the other but not both. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 phased out this offset, and as of January 1, 2023, surviving spouses can receive both full SBP and full DIC concurrently. This is a significant financial improvement for surviving military spouses.
When a veteran passes away, there are several steps survivors should take promptly: notify the VA of the veteran death (call 1-800-827-1000); file VA Form 21-534EZ for DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits; request burial benefits if applicable; contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office (1-800-535-1117) if burial in a national cemetery is desired; and gather important documents including the veteran DD-214, death certificate, marriage certificate, and most recent VA rating decision. Working with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent can help ensure that all eligible benefits are claimed.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. VA regulations, fee structures, and enforcement actions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by Scott, Claim Recon