Survivor Benefits: Understanding DIC and What Families Need to Know

A short, plain overview of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): what it is, who it is for, how to start a claim, and where to find the full rules and rates.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly payment VA makes to the surviving spouse, child or parent of a service member or veteran because of a service-connected death. VA.gov describes it as tax-free. This is a short overview. The full rules, with the law behind each one and VA.gov's current rate table, are in the DIC guide.

Who DIC is for

For a spouse or child, DIC starts with the veteran's side. At least one of three things has to be true: the service member died in service; the veteran died from a service-connected disability; or the veteran was receiving, or entitled to receive, compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for a required period before death, even if the death had another cause. Each route has its own conditions, set out in the guide. The third is often called the 10-year rule. Service-connected death and cause of death explains how VA decides whether a death was service-connected.

Then comes the survivor's side. A surviving spouse generally must have been married to the veteran at the time of death, have lived with the veteran continuously, with some exceptions, and meet a rule about when the marriage took place. Remarriage generally ends a surviving spouse's eligibility, but there are exceptions, including remarriage after age 55; DIC and remarriage covers them.

VA.gov lists a surviving child as eligible in their own right if the child is unmarried, is not included on the surviving spouse's DIC, and is under 18, or under 23 if attending school. A child who became permanently incapable of self-support before 18 has separate rules. Parents' DIC is income-based and has its own rules and rates; see DIC for dependent parents.

What DIC pays

For a surviving spouse of a veteran who died on or after January 1, 1993, VA.gov lists a basic rate of $1,699.36 a month, effective December 1, 2025. Amounts can be added in some situations, such as children under 18 or a need for aid and attendance. The guide's "What DIC pays" section lists the additions and VA.gov's current figures, so check it rather than an older number.

DIC and other survivor benefits

VA.gov says that if you qualify for both DIC and Survivors Pension, VA pays whichever gives you more; you can't get both. A spouse's or child's claim for DIC is also treated as a claim for survivors pension and accrued benefits. VA.gov also says you can receive a full Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payment and full DIC at the same time.

Survivors may also want to read about CHAMPVA health care and Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance to see whether they apply.

Where to start

The form depends on who is applying. VA.gov lists VA Form 21P-534EZ for the spouse or child of a veteran, VA Form 21P-534a for the spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty, which a military casualty assistance officer helps complete, and VA Form 21P-535 for a parent. VA.gov says you can apply through an accredited representative, upload the form through QuickSubmit, mail it, or get help at a VA regional office. It also suggests an intent to file while you gather military service records, doctors' reports and medical test results.

Timing matters. For a service-connected death after separation, a claim VA receives within one year after the death is paid from the first day of the month of death; a later claim is paid from the date VA receives it.

What to do next

Start with the veteran's side, then check the spouse, child or parent rules that fit your family, gather the records, and file, or file an intent to file first. The DIC guide has each rule in full, and an accredited representative can help with the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get DIC?

A surviving spouse, child or parent of a service member or veteran. For a spouse or child, at least one thing must be true on the veteran's side: the service member died in service, the veteran died from a service-connected disability, or the veteran was receiving, or entitled to receive, compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for a required period before death. Spouses and children then have their own rules, and parents' DIC is income-based with its own rules. Our DIC guide sets them out.

How do I apply?

The spouse or child of a veteran uses VA Form 21P-534EZ, the Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. The spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty uses VA Form 21P-534a, with help from a military casualty assistance officer, and a parent uses VA Form 21P-535. VA.gov says you can apply through an accredited representative, upload the form through QuickSubmit, mail it, or get help at a VA regional office.

Where do I find the current DIC rates?

Our DIC guide lists VA.gov's current rate table, including the additions for children, aid and attendance and other situations. For a surviving spouse of a veteran who died on or after January 1, 1993, the basic rate VA.gov lists is $1,699.36 a month, effective December 1, 2025.

Does remarrying end DIC?

Remarriage generally ends a surviving spouse's eligibility, but not if you remarried after age 55. If you remarried younger, DIC can be restored once that marriage ends by death, divorce or annulment, unless VA finds the divorce or annulment was obtained by fraud or collusion. Our guide to DIC and remarriage covers the details.

Can I get DIC along with Survivors Pension or SBP?

Not with Survivors Pension: VA.gov says that if you qualify for both, VA pays whichever gives you more. With the Survivor Benefit Plan, yes: VA.gov says you can receive a full SBP payment and full DIC at the same time.