Survivor Benefits
A range of VA benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died in service or as a result of a service-connected condition, including DIC, VA Survivors Pension, and burial benefits.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): service-connected death benefit, not income-based.
VA Survivors Pension: income-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses/children of wartime veterans.
Aid and Attendance Enhancement: additional benefit for survivors needing daily care assistance.
→ Survivors must apply separately for each benefit type.
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Frequently asked questions about Survivor Benefits
What is Survivor Benefits?+
A range of VA benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died in service or as a result of a service-connected condition, including DIC, VA Survivors Pension, and burial benefits. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): service-connected death benefit, not income-based.
Who qualifies for Survivor Benefits?+
VA Survivors Pension: income-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses/children of wartime veterans.
How do I apply for Survivor Benefits?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.