Overview
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected condition, or who were rated totally disabled (100%) for a certain period before death. DIC is the primary survivor benefit and is often the largest monthly payment available to surviving families.
Who Is Eligible
Surviving Spouses
You may qualify for DIC as a surviving spouse if:
- The veteran died from a service-connected injury or disease — including conditions rated by the VA
- The veteran was continuously rated 100% disabled (schedular or TDIU) for at least 10 years before death, regardless of cause of death
- The veteran was rated 100% from the date of discharge for at least 5 years before death
- The veteran was a former POW rated 100% for at least 1 year before death
And you meet one of these requirements:
- You were married to the veteran at the time of death
- You were married for at least 1 year
- You had a child together
Remarriage: If you remarry after age 55, you keep DIC. If you remarry before 55, DIC stops — but it can restart if that marriage ends.
Surviving Children
Unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school) may qualify for DIC if no surviving spouse is eligible, or for additional allowances alongside a spouse's DIC payment.
Surviving Parents
Parents who are financially dependent on the veteran may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents (DIC-P), which is income-based.
Payment Amounts (2025)
- Base DIC rate for surviving spouse: Approximately $1,612/month
- Additional for each dependent child: Approximately $361/month
- Aid & Attendance add-on for a surviving spouse who needs help with daily living: approximately $387/month additional
- Housebound add-on: approximately $184/month additional
These amounts are adjusted annually. Check VA.gov for current rates.
How to Apply
- Complete VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child)
- Provide: death certificate, marriage certificate, veteran's DD-214, VA rating decision
- Submit online at VA.gov, through a VSO, or by mail
- If the cause of death is disputed, the VA may request a medical opinion
The "10-Year Rule" Explained
This is one of the most important and least-known DIC rules: if a veteran was rated 100% disabled for 10 continuous years before death, the surviving spouse qualifies for DIC regardless of what the veteran actually died from. The veteran could die in a car accident, from cancer, or from natural causes — if they held 100% for 10+ years, DIC is payable.
This is why maintaining your 100% rating matters even if you feel your conditions have improved.
Tips
- File quickly. If you file within 1 year of the veteran's death, DIC benefits are retroactive to the date of death
- Don't assume the cause of death doesn't qualify. The VA's definition of "service-connected cause" is broader than you might think — secondary conditions and aggravation count
- Accrued benefits: If the veteran had a pending claim when they died, the surviving spouse can continue that claim for up to 2 years of accrued (owed) benefits
- Work with a VSO. DIC claims can be complex, especially when proving cause of death. A VSO can help navigate the medical evidence
- CHAMPVA eligibility: If you receive DIC, you're likely eligible for CHAMPVA health coverage too