Accrued Benefits — Accrued amounts due
Accrued benefits are VA payments owed to a veteran but not paid before they died. A surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent may be able to collect them.
Official source: va.gov
Accrued benefits are payments the VA owes to a veteran. But the veteran passed away before the VA could pay them. These benefits were earned by the veteran during their lifetime. They are like a final payment for services or support the veteran was due. These benefits need to be claimed by someone else. A surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent might be able to get these payments. This means if you are one of these family members, you could receive money that the veteran earned but never got. It's a way for the VA to make sure the veteran's earned benefits are still paid out. Accrued benefits matter because they can provide financial support to the veteran's family. This money can help with various needs, like bills or daily living expenses. It acknowledges the service and sacrifices the veteran made. If you think you might be eligible for accrued benefits, you can contact the VA. You will need to fill out a claim form. The VA can help you understand what documents you need. You can find more information and the claim form on the VA website or by calling them directly. See also: <a href="/glossary/dic">DIC</a>.
In real life
- A widow received accrued benefits owed to her husband for the months before his death.
- When Mr. Jones passed away, his son received the disability payments the VA hadn't sent him yet.
- Sarah's mom got the pension money her dad was due for the month he died.
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Frequently asked questions about Accrued Benefits
What is Accrued Benefits?+
Accrued benefits are VA payments owed to a veteran but not paid before they died. A surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent may be able to collect them.
Who qualifies for Accrued Benefits?+
Surviving spouses, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents of veterans or workers who paid into Social Security.
How do I apply for Accrued Benefits?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply. Official forms and instructions: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/dependency-indemnity-compensation/.
Where can I get help?+
Survivors of veterans should start with the Survivor Benefits Checklist. For Social Security survivor benefits, contact your local SSA office; there's no cost to apply.
Source: va.gov