VA survivor benefits
High-level orientation only. Eligibility depends on service-connected death, marriage rules, income tests, and other factors VA decides.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a monthly payment for eligible surviving spouses, children, and sometimes parents when a veteran’s death is service-connected (or meets related statutory criteria). Rate components are published annually with COLA.
Official: VA DIC rates.
Survivors pension (needs-based)
VA also administers a wartime survivors pension with income and net worth limits. Rules differ from DIC; some survivors may qualify for one, both, or neither depending on circumstances.
Start with VA’s family member pages: VA family member & survivor benefits. We do not provide eligibility advice — contact VA or an accredited representative for your case.