Disclaimer
The information contained in this Guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every e ort has been made to ensure accuracy, policies, benefits, programs, and resources may change over time.
Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all information with o cial sources, including but not limited to the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans A airs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), O ce of Personnel Management (OPM), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal, state, or employer-specific programs before making career, financial, educational, financial, or housing decisions.
This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or career counseling advice, nor does it guarantee employment outcomes. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this guide.
By using this resource, you acknowledge that responsibility for verifying and applying information rests with the individual.
VA
Overview
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of a veteran who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.
Eligibility
Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran at death or met specific marriage duration rules.
Unmarried dependent children under 18, or up to 23 if in school; permanently disabled children may qualify beyond 23.
Parents may qualify for Parents’ DIC if financially dependent.
What You Receive
Monthly payment (adjusted annually for cost of living).
Additional amounts for dependent children, housebound survivors, or aid & attendance.
Gather: veteran’s DD214, death certificate, marriage license, dependent info. How to Apply / Access
File VA Form 21P-534EZ online, by mail, or through an accredited VSO.
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Compensation Service – DIC Unit
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor -compensation/ dependency-indemnity-compensation/
Overview
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) & DIC
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides a monthly annuity from DoD. Survivors may also qualify for DIC from the VA. Since Jan 1, 2023, survivors can receive both in full (o set eliminated).
Eligibility
Service member elected SBP at retirement.
Spouse or dependent children designated as beneficiaries.
What You Receive
Full SBP annuity plus full VA DIC.
Payments increase annually with COLA.
How to Apply / Access
Notify DFAS of retiree’s death.
Submit marriage certificate, death certificate, DD214, SBP election forms.certificate, DD214, SBP election forms.
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS) – Retired & Annuitant Pay
Phone: 1-800-321-1080
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/SBP-DIC-News/
Overview
Survivors Pension (Death Pension)
A needs-based, tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans whose death was not service-connected.
Eligibility
Veteran served during wartime and was honorably discharged.
Surviving spouse not remarried (exceptions may apply).
Income and net worth must be below VA limits.
What You Receive
Monthly payments based on income and assets.
Additional allowance for Aid & Attendance or Housebound status.
How to Apply / Access
File VA Form 21P-534EZ online or by mail.
Provide service, income, and dependency documentation.
VA Pension & Fiduciary Service
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/ survivor-compensation/survivors-pension/
CHAMPVA Health Care
Overview
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA) provides health coverage to eligible survivors who are not eligible for TRICARE.
Eligibility
Surviving spouse/child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, or
Surviving spouse/child of a veteran who was permanently and totally disabled.
Not eligible for TRICARE.
What You Receive
Cost-sharing coverage for medical services, prescriptions, and supplies.
How to Apply / Access
File VA Form 10-10d with supporting documents.
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Health Administration Center – CHAMPVA
Phone: 1-800-733-8387
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/healthand-disability/champva/
Overview
TRICARE for Surviving Dependents
TRICARE provides health coverage to eligible dependents of service members. Surviving spouses and children may continue coverage under specific circumstances.
Eligibility
Dependents of active duty members who died in service. Dependents of certain retired members.
What You Receive
Comprehensive health insurance with options for medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage.
How to Apply / Access
Contact the regional TRICARE contractor. Update DEERS enrollment.
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
Defense Health Agency – TRICARE
Phone: 1-800-444-5445 (East); 1-800-876-7099 (West)
https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/Survivors
Education Benefits
(DEA Chapter 35 & Fry Scholarship)
Overview
Education support for surviving spouses and children. DEA (Chapter 35) provides a stipend; the Fry Scholarship covers full tuition.
Eligibility Fry: For survivors of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept. 11, 2001.
DEA: For dependents of veterans who died, are missing, or permanently disabled.
What You Receive
DEA: Monthly stipend up to 36 months. Fry: Tuition/fees, housing allowance, books.
How to Apply / Access
File VA Form 22-5490.
Verify school is VA-approved.
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Education Service
Phone: 1-888-442-4551
DEA:
https://www.va.gov/education survivor-dependent-benefits dependents-education-assistance/
Fry:
https://www.va.gov/education/ survivor-dependent -benefits/fry-scholarship/
VA Home Loan Guaranty for Surviving Spouses
Overview
Surviving spouses may qualify for VA-backed home loans with no down payment and favorable terms.
Eligibility
Spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes or died in service.
Some remarriage exceptions apply (after age 57).
What You Receive
Ability to purchase, refinance, or adapt a home with VA-guaranteed loan benefits.
How to Apply / Access
Submit VA Form 26-1817 for eligibility.
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
VA Loan Guaranty Service
Phone: 1-877-827-3702
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/ home-loans/surviving-spouse/
Burial & Memorial Benefits
Overview
VA honors veterans with burial and memorial services, including gravesites, markers, flags, and military funeral honors.
Eligibility
Veterans with qualifying service. Certain spouses and children.
What You Receive
Burial in a VA national cemetery, grave marker, flag, presidential memorial certificate, and burial allowances.
How to Apply / Access
File VA Form 21P-530EZ for burial
Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling O ce.
VA National Cemetery Administration
Phone: 1-800-535-1117
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
VA Life Insurance for Survivors
Overview
Provides financial protection through VA life insurance policies (SGLI, VGLI, VALife).
Survivors may claim benefits upon veteran’s death.
Eligibility
Based on the veteran’s policy coverage at time of death.
What You Receive
Lump-sum or installment payments of life insurance proceeds.
How to Apply / Access
File a claim with the VA Insurance Center.
Submit policy documents and death certificate.allowance.
Resource: Responsible O ce & Resource https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
VA Insurance Center (Philadelphia)
Phone: 1-800-419-1473
Overview
Employment & Career Assistance
Survivors can access career counseling, job placement help, and training through VA programs.
Eligibility
Surviving spouses and dependents eligible for DEA or Fry benefits.
What You Receive
Free education and career counseling (Chapter 36).
Job training and employment resources.
How to Apply / Access
Request career counseling through VA.
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Veteran Readiness & Employment Education Service
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource:
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/ education-and-career-counseling/
Overview
Remarriage Rules Across Benefits
Remarriage can a ect eligibility for survivor benefits. Rules di er depending on the program.
Eligibility
DIC: Surviving spouse can remarry after age 57 without losing benefits.
Pension: Most remarriages end eligibility.
CHAMPVA: Ends at remarriage, unless remarriage occurs after age 55.
What You Receive
Continued benefits if remarriage rules are met.
How to Apply
Report marital status changes promptly to VA.
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Benefits Assistance
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource:
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/ survivor-compensation dependency-indemnity -compensation/
State-Level Survivor Benefits
Overview
Many states o er property tax exemptions, tuition waivers, and other benefits for survivors.
Eligibility
Varies by state.
What You Receive
Benefits such as reduced property taxes, free or reduced tuition, and burial assistance.
How to Apply
Contact your state Department of Veterans A airs.
Responsible O ce & Resource
https://nasdva.us/ State Veterans A airs Department Resource:
Overview
Dependent Children’s Benefits
Children may qualify for DIC, health care, and education benefits.
Eligibility
Unmarried children under 18, up to 23if in school, or permanently disabled before age 18.
What You Receive
Monthly DIC payments.
CHAMPVA health care (if not TRICARE-eligible).
DEA or Fry education benefits.
How to Apply
Submit appropriate VA forms (21P-534EZ, 22-5490, 10-10d).
Responsible O ce & Resource
Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (Compensation); 1-888-442-4551 (Education)
Resource:
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiverbenefits/survivor-compensation/ dependency-indemnity-compensation/ VA Compensation & Pension / Education Service
Parents’ DIC
Overview
Parents who were financially dependent on a veteran who died from service-related causes may qualify for DIC.
Eligibility
Biological, adoptive, or foster parents.
Income must be below VA-set limits.
What You Receive
Monthly tax-free compensation.
How to Apply
File VA Form 21P-535 with supporting income and dependency information.
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA Pension & Fiduciary Service
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource:
https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver -benefits/survivor-compensation dependency-indemnity-compensation/
Form:
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-535/
EMPOWERING FAMILIES, HONORING SERVICE — EMPOWERING FAMILIES, HONORING SERVICE
We hope this guide has provided you with clear information, practical tools, and trusted resources to help you navigate survivor benefits with confidence. Whether you are seeking financial assistance, healthcare coverage, education opportunities, or career support, you are not alone. Every step you take toward understanding your benefits helps secure a stronger and more stable future for you and your family.
Remember: Support is always available. Your resilience, strength, and sacrifice matter, and reaching out for guidance is a powerful step forward.
Together, we can build awareness, strengthen communities, and honor the legacy of those who served.
Need More Help?
Call us: 888-511-2296
Email: info@varep.org
Visit us: varep.org
We are here to guide and support you on your journey.
Your future matters — and help is always within reach.