Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of a service member who died in line of duty or a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected condition.

This benefit is meant to provide financial support to dependents after a service-connected death. It is not automatic—you must apply and meet specific eligibility criteria.

According to the VA, you may be eligible for DIC if you meet these requirements

As a surviving spouse:

One of these must be true:

• You lived with the veteran or service member without a break until their death

• If you’re separated, you weren’t at fault for the separation

And one of these must be true:

• You married the veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse

• You were married to the veteran or service member for at least 1 year

• You had a child with the veteran or service member

Note: If you remarried, you can receive or continue to receive compensation if one of these describes you:

• You remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and you were 57 years of age or older at the time you remarried

• You remarried on or after January 5, 2021, and you were 55 years of age or older at the time you remarried

As a surviving child:

All of these must be true

• You aren’t married

• You aren’t included on the surviving spouse’s compensation

• You’re under the age of 18 (or under the age of 23 if attending school)

Note: If you were adopted out of the veteran or service member’s family, but meet all other eligibility criteria, you still qualify for compensation

As a surviving parent:

Both of these must be true

• You’re the biological, adoptive, or foster parent of the veteran or service member

• Your income is below a certain amount (Check your qualification here)

Note: A foster parent is defined as someone who served the role of a parent to the veteran or service member before their last entry into active service

• If you qualify for DIC, you can receive tax-free monetary benefits. The amount you receive depends on the type of survivor you are.

• The amount is set by Congress and may change annual cased on cost-of-living adjustments

• Monthly payments may increase if the survivor has dependent children, is housebound, or requires Aid & Attendance

Check out the VA’s benefit rates

• Benefit rates for surviving spouses and children

• Benefits for surviving parents

For the surviving spouse of a service member who died while on active duty: your military casualty assistance officer will help you complete an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office.

For the surviving spouse or child of a veteran: fill out an application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ)

For a surviving parent: fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535)

Note: You may also want to submit an intent to file form before applying for DIC benefits. This can give you the time you need to gather evidence to preserve an earlier effective date. When VA is notified of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments.

DIC is a vital benefit that can help provide stability and recognition for families of those who gave their lives in service or suffered long-term effects of service-connected disabilities. However, eligibility rules and application timing can be complex. A VA-accredited representative can help gather documentation, submit a complete application, and appeal if necessary.

We have attorney’s and representatives here at Greene & Marusak that can help you complete your application.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737