Are you a military family eligible for survivor benefits?
The VA offers two forms of compensation for spouses and children who meet certain conditions.
The first is the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). This is a tax-free monetary benefit that makes monthly payouts. The amount received is dependent on a number of variables, which can include rank, date of service, and disability rating. Other factors include scenarios where you are housebound due to a disability or if you have children under the age of 18. (What does housebound mean?)
There is also the VA Survivor’s Pension, which is offered to wartime veterans’ surviving spouses and dependent children. This also involves monthly payments. Rates are determined by your income and Congressional limits known as the Maximum Annual Pension Rate, or MAPR.
If you are eligible for both DIC and Survivor’s Pension, the VA will select whichever offers the biggest payout. However, you can purchase a Survivor’s Benefit Plan or Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and still receive DIC. This program is managed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). (Confusing,
For questions about SBP and RCSBP payments, you can contact their office at 800-321-1080.
How do I apply for benefits?
Regardless of what you choose, you can expect to fill out paperwork.
For VA DIC you’ll need to fill out one of three forms:
If your spouse or parent died while on active duty, you’ll want to fill out the VA Form 21P-534a.
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- Otherwise, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ.
- Alternatively, if you’re the parent of the deceased, you’ll fill out VA Form 21P-535.
For the VA Survivor’s Pension, you’ll want VA Form 21P-534EZ.
You can get help filing paperwork through an accredited attorney, claims agent, and veteran service officer (VSO). However, be aware that there are a number of grifters that will charge you for what should be a free service. Jane Babcock, a veterans benefits officer from Wisconsin, offers the following advice:
“Ask the person offering help if they are accredited and if they charge. If they charge, walk away.”
When searching for accredited representatives, start by visiting your county or state’s veteran services office. You can also visit the VA’s online resource to find an accredited agent near you.