VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Dependents

If your loved one served in the US military, their surviving family members may be entitled to a range of VA benefits — from monthly compensation to free burial in a national cemetery. These benefits are often underutilized because families don't know what's available or how to access it.

This guide covers the major VA benefits for surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of veterans.

VA benefit rules are complex and change. Verify current eligibility requirements at va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died:

While on active duty or training
From a service-connected disability (a condition connected to their military service)

Who is eligible

Surviving spouses (married to the veteran at time of death; or for at least 1 year)
Surviving children (unmarried, under 18; or under 23 if in school; or any age if disabled before age 18)
Dependent parents (if the veteran had no surviving spouse or children)

How much

The base DIC rate in 2024 is $1,612.75/month for surviving spouses, with additional payments for dependent children, aid and attendance needs, and other factors. Rates are updated annually.

How to apply

File VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) online at va.gov, or at your local VA regional office. You'll need the veteran's DD-214, the death certificate, and your marriage certificate.

VA Survivors Pension

For surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans with low income, the VA offers a pension benefit. Unlike DIC, the cause of death does not need to be service-connected — the veteran simply needs to have served during a designated wartime period.

The pension is needs-based. Income and asset limits apply. Maximum annual pension rates in 2024 range from approximately $10,000–$24,000 depending on household composition and whether the survivor has health needs requiring aid and attendance.

Apply using the same VA Form 21P-534EZ. The VA will evaluate your income and net worth.

CHAMPVA Health Insurance

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) provides health coverage to surviving spouses and children of veterans who:

Were permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, OR
Died from a service-connected disability, OR
Were rated permanently and totally disabled at time of death for any reason

Note: CHAMPVA is not available to those who are eligible for Medicare Part A due to age — they must use Medicare as their primary coverage.

CHAMPVA provides comprehensive coverage including hospital care, outpatient services, mental health care, pharmacy, and more. Apply using VA Form 10-10d at va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva/.

VA Burial Benefits

Free burial in a national cemetery

Eligible veterans and their spouses may be buried in a national cemetery at no cost. This includes the grave site, opening and closing the grave, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Surviving spouses may be buried in the same plot. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

Burial allowance

If the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery, the VA may reimburse some burial expenses:

Up to $796 for service-connected death burial costs
Up to $300 for burial costs for non-service-connected death (if receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death)
Up to $796 for transportation of remains from the place of death for service-connected deaths

Education Benefits for Surviving Dependents

Surviving children of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be eligible for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) — up to 45 months of education benefits for college, vocational training, or apprenticeships. Surviving spouses may also qualify in some circumstances.

The transferable Post-9/11 GI Bill may also be available to dependents of veterans who died in service before transferring unused benefits.

How to Get Help Applying

VA benefits applications can be complex. Several free resources can help:

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — American Legion, VFW, DAV, and others have accredited claims agents who assist with VA claims for free
VA Regional Offices — find your nearest office at va.gov
1-800-827-1000 — VA benefits hotline

For the full overview of survivor benefits, see our complete guide to applying for benefits. For Social Security survivor benefits, see our article on Social Security survivor benefits.