DIC is the VA's primary survivor benefit — a tax-free monthly payment to eligible survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes or while receiving VA compensation. 2026 base rate for surviving spouses: $1,657.88/month, plus add-ons for dependent children, aid and attendance, housebound status, and the 8-year qualifier. Four eligibility pathways under 38 USC §§ 1310-1318 — many survivors qualify through more than one but only realize one route.
DIC is the VA's primary survivor benefit program. Unlike Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments from the Department of Defense, DIC comes directly from the VA and is based on the veteran's service-connected conditions and cause of death. DIC is completely tax-free at federal and state level under 38 USC § 5301.
The 2026 base monthly rate for a surviving spouse is $1,657.88, adjusted annually for COLA. Additional amounts apply for dependent children, aid and attendance needs, housebound status, and the veteran's disability rating history.
Many survivors qualify through more than one pathway but only realize one route. File using the strongest one — and let the VA evaluate the others.
If there is no eligible surviving spouse, DIC can be paid to eligible children — unmarried children under 18, children 18-23 in a VA-approved school, and children permanently incapable of self-support before age 18. For one child without a surviving spouse, monthly DIC is approximately $667.51 with add-ons for each additional child.
Remarriage before age 57: DIC stops. If that subsequent marriage ends (death, divorce, annulment), the surviving spouse can reapply and DIC is restored.
Remarriage at age 57 or older: DIC continues. Enacted by Congress in 2003 — recognizes older surviving spouses should not have to choose between companionship and financial security.
Cohabitation: Living with a partner without marrying does not affect DIC eligibility.
Submit VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) online via VA.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through an accredited representative.
Veteran's DD-214 or separation documents.
Death certificate.
Marriage certificate.
Birth certificates for dependent children.
Medical evidence linking the cause of death to service (if claiming under § 1310).
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation — a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes or while receiving VA compensation. Authorized under 38 USC §§ 1310-1318. Paid directly by the VA (separate from any DoD Survivor Benefit Plan).
The base monthly DIC rate for surviving spouses is $1,657.88 (2026). Add $371.82/month per dependent child. Aid-and-attendance add-on: +$398.03/month. Housebound add-on: +$186.24/month. The 8-year add-on (veteran totally disabled 8+ years before death, married to surviving spouse 8+ years): +$336.61/month.
(1) Service-connected cause of death under 38 USC § 1310. (2) Veteran totally disabled (100% schedular or TDIU) for 10+ years immediately before death, under § 1318. (3) Totally disabled continuously from separation until death — any duration. (4) Former POWs totally disabled for at least one year before death.
Remarriage BEFORE age 57: DIC stops, but can be restored if that marriage ends (death, divorce, annulment). Remarriage AT or AFTER age 57: DIC continues — established by Congress in 2003. Cohabitation without marriage does not affect DIC.
Yes. Eligible children include unmarried children under 18, children 18-23 enrolled in a VA-approved school, and children permanently incapable of self-support before age 18. For one child without a surviving spouse, monthly DIC is approximately $667.51 with add-ons for additional children.
Submit VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) — online via VA.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through an accredited representative. Required documents: DD-214, death certificate, marriage certificate, dependent birth certificates, and medical evidence linking cause of death to service if applicable.