Dependents And Survivors

Spouses, children, and parents of Servicemembers and Veterans who are deceased or totally and permanently disabled by a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA dependent and survivor benefits. These benefits include compensation, pension, health care, education, home loans, and burial.

Dependent and Survivor Benefits

The primary VA dependents and survivors benefits program are described below. See the eligibility section to learn whether you may qualify for these primary benefit programs.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — a monthly tax-free benefit paid to a surviving spouse, including additional payments for dependent children.

Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — Parents' DIC is an income-based monthly tax-free benefit, and may be available if your child was a Servicemember or Veteran who died from a service-related cause.

Survivors' Pension — a monthly income-based tax-free benefit payable to a surviving spouse and/or child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) — a benefit that provides reimbursement for most medical expenses to certain surviving spouses and dependents of Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities who are not eligible for TRICARE.

Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) — a benefit that provides assistance to obtain a degree and pursue other eligible education and training.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship — The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides children with financial support for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and housing. Download the Fry Scholarship Brochure (PDF) for more information.

Home Loans — a benefit that may be used to help purchase, construct, or improve a home. It may also be used to refinance a mortgage.

Burial — a benefit that includes furnishing a headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial allowance, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and an American flag to drape over the deceased's casket, as well as the option of burial in a VA national cemetery

Additional Benefits

Dependents and survivors may also be eligible for the following programs, in addition to the benefits and programs described above.

Educational and Vocational Counseling– is available to help decide how best to use VA dependents' educational assistance benefits. VA can also provide assessment and rehabilitation planning for dependents with disabilities to help identify the resources needed to achieve a successful outcome.

Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service – is a personalized service offered to beneficiaries of SGLI and VGLI VA Life Insurance policies that can help you make smart financial decisions. Services include, but are not limited to, budgeting assistance, debt reduction assistance, and college/retirement planning.

Bereavement Counseling – is a counseling service available at community-based Vet Centers to parents, spouses, and children of Servicemembers, National Guard members, and Reserve members who die in service.

Civil Service Preference – is a hiring preference for jobs within the Federal government. An unmarried surviving spouse of certain deceased Veterans may also qualify. VA provides an eligibility certification upon request.

Commissary and Exchange Privileges – are provided by the Department of Defense to an un-remarried surviving spouse of a Servicemember or Veteran who died during active duty, or due to a service-connected disability. Dependents are also eligible for privileges. VA provides an eligibility certificate upon request.

Children of Vietnam Veterans with Certain Birth Defects - Children who have spina bifida or certain other birth defects and are biological children of Veterans with qualifying service in the Republic of South Vietnam or Republic of Korea may be eligible for various VA benefits, including monthly monetary compensation, health care and vocational training.

Dependent and Survivor Benefits Eligibility Overview

The table below provides a broad overview of the eligibility requirements for Dependents' and Survivors' benefits. Use this table to determine the benefits that you might qualify for and seek out more information about eligibility criteria and how to apply.

How to Apply

The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.

If your loved one died in active service, you will be assigned a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) who will assist you until all benefits and entitlements for which you are eligible are processed. You may also:

• Apply online using eBenefits, OR
• Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
• Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.