VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) stands as a crucial pillar of support for eligible survivors of deceased veterans who passed away due to a service-connected injury or illness. This compensation program acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans and ensures that their loved ones receive financial assistance and support in the aftermath of their loss.
Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, DIC provides monthly payments to eligible survivors, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, to help alleviate the financial burden associated with the loss of a veteran. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process for DIC is essential for ensuring that eligible survivors can access the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Claiming VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Surviving Spouses and Children
Are you the surviving spouse or offspring of a deceased Veteran or service member? Did their death result from a service-related injury or illness, or happen in the line of duty? If affirmation is your answer, then you might qualify for a tax-free monetary benefit known as the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC in short. Please find the contact information mentioned in this article in our article description.
Eligibility for DIC Benefits
But how can you establish your eligibility for DIC benefits based on your relationship to the Veteran? We have outlined the VA’s eligibility requisites for those considered as a surviving spouse or child of the Veteran. See if any of these situations applies to you:
You were married to a Service member who died while on active duty, in active or inactive duty training, or in a legitimate marriage to the Veteran that took place before January 1st, 1957. Moreover, the veteran whom you married was rated as totally disabled due to a service-connected disability prior to their death, usually for a minimum of ten years.
Another case is marrying the veteran within 15 years of discharge from military service that led to the service-linked death or having been married to the veteran for at least a year. Lastly, you must have had a child with the veteran and lived with the veteran continuously until his/her death, unless separated due to no fault of your own, and currently, you are not remarried.
Additional Conditions for DIC Eligibility
To be eligible for DIC as the surviving spouse of the Veteran, you need to meet one of the following conditions regarding your relationship with the Veteran:
You must have married a Veteran or a service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which their qualifying illness or injury initiated or worsened, or you were married to the Veteran or Service member for at least 1 year, or you had a child with them. Furthermore, you should have lived with the Veteran or Service member without a break until their death, or if separated, you were not at fault.
Please note that survivors of LGBTQ+ Veterans might qualify for survivor’s benefits even if their Veteran spouse died before their marriage meets VA’s length-of-marriage requirements: one year for survivor’s benefits, and eight years for a higher rate of benefits. VA considers the duration of marriage from when the surviving spouse can establish a marriage-type relationship, e.g., a commitment ceremony, joint banking account, or joint buying of a house.
Qualifying for DIC as a Surviving Child
As a surviving child, to qualify for DIC, you must be unmarried and under 18 or 23 if attending school. You cannot be considered a dependent on a surviving spouse’s active duty DIC Award. If you think you meet any of these requirements, VA would need evidence to confirm that the Veteran passed away while on active duty, in Active duty for training, or inactive duty training, or died due to a service-connected illness or injury.
However, when the Veteran’s death isn’t linked to a service-connected illness or injury, you might still be eligible to receive DIC if the Veteran was eligible to receive VA compensation for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling.
This should have been for at least ten years before their death or since their release from active duty and for at least five years immediately before their death. As for former prisoners of war who died after September 30th, 1999, they would have had to have had their disability for at least a year before their death.
Are you unsure about the type of evidence you need to present? Worry not; the subsequent part of this article will provide more information about the evidence and documents you need when filing your DIC claim.
Application for DIC Benefits
Now, let’s have a look at what is required. You will need to submit a completed form, VA form 21p-534ez for DIC benefits application. Other required materials are the Veteran’s discharge papers such as a DD-214 or something equivalent, a copy of the Veteran’s death certificate, and pertinent medical evidence related to the claimed conditions.
Other supporting documentation might be needed, for instance, marriage certificates and birth certificates if children are being claimed. Please submit clear and legible copies of the forms and evidence, as our systems use scanning technology to evaluate your claim. Don’t worry if you’re not sure about what is required. VA has many resources for your reference. Visit our website as displayed or call our VA benefits hotline at 1 800 827 1000 if you have any questions.
Recent Expansion of DIC Eligibility
Before discussing how to submit your application, we want to notify you about a recent change in law that broadens eligibility for DIC benefits. On August 10th, 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, in short, the PACT Act was promulgated. The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act brings numerous changes, such as the inclusion of over 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, as well as more presumptive exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation. Visit our website at www.va.gov/PACT to see a full list of the new presumptive conditions and exposure locations included in the PACT Act. If the Veteran’s cause of death is linked to one of the newly presumptive conditions and we denied your DIC claim in the past, but think you might be eligible now, we will attempt to contact you. Your claim might be reevaluated.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to wait for us to get in touch with you before you reapply. You can follow the steps in this guide and submit your application as soon as possible. In case you want VA to reevaluate a previously denied claim, please use question 7A on the VA Form 21P-534EZ to make this request.
Application Process
Now, the crucial part, how do you apply? Application for DIC benefits is straightforward; you can either apply online at www.va.gov or mail in your application to the Department of Veterans Affairs Pension intake center as indicated on the screen. You can also call our toll-free number at 1 800 827 1000; our VA contact representatives are eager to assist you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) serve as a vital lifeline for the survivors of deceased veterans, providing essential financial support during their time of need. Through this program, the Department of Veterans Affairs honors the service and sacrifice of veterans by extending care and assistance to their families even after they have passed away.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to continue raising awareness of DIC benefits and ensuring that eligible survivors understand how to navigate the application process. By upholding our commitment to supporting the families of our nation’s heroes, we can honor the legacies of veterans and provide comfort to their loved ones in their time of grief.