Dylan4Vets

Survivor benefits

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Tax-free monthly compensation for surviving spouses, children, and (income-qualified) parents. This guide breaks down who qualifies, how the spouse rate is built, easy-to-miss add-ons, and how to apply online.

By Dylan4Vets • Built for surviving spouses, kids & parents navigating DIC
Survivor benefit guide

Turn loss into long-term support you were promised.

DIC is tax-free compensation for survivors of certain veterans. We’ll walk through eligibility, add-on amounts, and the fastest way to claim it.

Start with who qualifies ›
🎗️
Overview Rates & add-ons Eligibility How to apply FAQ
📌 Overview

What DIC is & who can qualify

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible survivors of veterans or servicemembers whose death is linked to service or long-term service-connected disability.

Surviving spouses
  • Veteran died from a service-connected condition; or
  • Veteran was rated totally disabling (including IU) for a qualifying period before death (10-year / 5-year / POW rules).
  • Remarriage generally ends DIC, but remarriage at age 57 or older—and in some cases 55+ for remarriages after Jan 5, 2021—may keep eligibility. Always confirm the latest VA rules.
Children & parents
  • Children: Unmarried; under 18 (or under 23 if attending school full-time). Added per-child amounts may apply.
  • Parents: May qualify under income-based “Parents’ DIC,” which has its own rate tables and thresholds.
Also consider: Survivors may be eligible for DEA (Chapter 35) or the Fry Scholarship, and health coverage under CHAMPVA (if eligible).
💵 Rates

How the spouse rate is built (and add-ons many miss)

The exact dollar amounts change with annual COLA. Always refer to VA’s current DIC rate tables—but the structure of the benefit is fairly stable:

  • Base monthly rate for a surviving spouse.
  • 8-Year add-on: If the veteran was totally disabling (incl. IU) for 8+ years immediately before death and married to the spouse for those same years.
  • Per dependent child in the household (added on top of the spouse’s base rate).
  • Transitional benefit (first 2 years): Extra amount for spouses who have one or more children under 18.
  • Aid & Attendance (A&A) if the spouse needs help with daily activities, or a Housebound add-on if substantially confined to the home.
📊 DIC rates – spouses & children Parents’ DIC rates

Tax treatment: DIC is tax-free. If you also receive SBP, the long-standing SBP/DIC offset was fully eliminated in 2023—eligible survivors can now receive both payments in full (SBP is taxable; DIC is not).

✅ Eligibility

Common paths to eligibility (surviving spouses)

You don’t have to figure out which legal path you fit—VA adjudicators check them. But it’s helpful to know the big three:

  • The veteran died from a service-connected condition; or
  • The veteran had a total disability rating (including IU) for:
    • 10+ years immediately before death; or
    • 5 years from discharge to death (continuous total rating); or
    • 1+ year if a former POW who died after Sep 30, 1999.

If in doubt, apply. If you’re unsure whether the cause of death or rating history meets these rules, file a claim and ask a VSO to help. They can pull the rating history and walk through the time-in-effect requirements with you.

📝 Apply

How to apply (fastest first)

  1. Apply online: Use VA’s DIC application on VA.gov (usually the quickest) or upload completed forms through AccessVA QuickSubmit.
  2. By form (paper/PDF routes):
    • VA Form 21P-534EZ – surviving spouse/child when the veteran’s death is related to service.
    • VA Form 21P-534a – death on active duty (usually filed with the casualty assistance officer).
    • VA Form 21P-535 – surviving parent(s) applying for Parents’ DIC.
  3. Get help: An accredited VSO, agent, or attorney can help you file at no cost for the initial claim. They’ll also help with evidence (death certificate, rating history, medical opinions, etc.).

Pro tip: If you’re still gathering documents, you can protect your potential start date by filing an Intent to File first, then submitting the full DIC claim within the required window.

❓ Answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive both SBP and DIC?

Yes. As of 2023, the long-standing SBP/DIC offset is fully eliminated. Eligible survivors can receive both payments in full. Remember: SBP is taxable income; DIC is tax-free.

What happens if I remarry?

Remarriage generally ends DIC. However, a remarriage at age 57+—and in some situations 55+ for remarriages after Jan 5, 2021—may allow you to keep DIC. Before changing marital status, check VA’s current remarriage guidance and talk with a VSO so you don’t accidentally lose benefits.

What add-ons should I double-check?

Survivors often miss:

  • The 8-year add-on for long-term total disability.
  • The per-child amount for each dependent child.
  • The two-year transitional benefit (extra payment for spouses with children under 18).
  • Aid & Attendance or Housebound add-ons if the spouse has significant limitations.

Always review the “Added amounts” section on VA’s live DIC rate pages.

What else should I do right away?
  • Apply for DIC and, if eligible, CHAMPVA health coverage for survivors.
  • Consider education benefits like DEA (Chapter 35) or the Fry Scholarship (for certain line-of-duty deaths).
  • Ask a VSO to check for state-level survivor benefits: property-tax relief, tuition, license perks, and more.