How Can I Apply for Veteran’s Survivor Benefits?

If you are the spouse, child or dependent parent of a veteran, you may be eligible for survivor compensation in a few different forms. 

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA IDC) is a tax-free benefit for survivors of a veteran who died in the line of service or as a result of a service-related illness or injury. 

More information, including application forms, can be found here.

A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses, and the unmarried dependent children of war-service Veterans, who meet certain net worth and income limits that are set by Congress. 

Additional information and an online application form can be found here. 

VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance may be available for those who receive a VA Survivors Pension. This is a monthly payment for survivors who have a permanent disability that necessitates staying primarily in your house. 

Further information — there is a mail-in form and in-person application instructions — can be found here.

Bereavement Counseling through certain Vet Centers may also be available for surviving spouses, dependent parents and children. 

More information can be found here.

And, be sure to check out the comprehensive online brochure about VA Survivor Benefits and visit our VA Funeral Assistance page as well. 

Sources

“Survivor compensation”. US Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation