Understanding VA Survivor Benefits: A Guide for Families

VA survivor benefits can be a crucial lifeline for families who have lost a loved one who served in the military. Coping with such a loss is already incredibly difficult, and the last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out what support is available.

Thankfully, there are a variety of benefits designed to help ease the financial burden and provide long-term stability for surviving family members. From monthly payments to educational opportunities, these benefits can make a significant difference during a challenging time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key VA survivor benefits, explaining who qualifies, how to apply, and what kind of support you can expect.

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1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

What It Is: A monthly tax-free benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or illness.
Who Qualifies: Surviving spouses, children under 18 (or 23 if in school), and dependent parents.
How to Apply: Submit VA Form 21-534EZ online, by mail, or in person at a VA office.
How Much You Can Receive: The amount varies, but as of 2024, surviving spouses can receive around $1,562 per month, with additional amounts for dependent children.

2. Survivors Pension

What It Is: A needs-based benefit for low-income, unremarried surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased wartime veterans.
Who Qualifies: Surviving spouses who have not remarried, and unmarried children with limited income.
How to Apply: Complete VA Form 21P-534EZ and submit it online, by mail, or at a VA office.
How Much You Can Receive: The amount depends on your income, but it can be up to $1,432 per month for a surviving spouse with no dependents.

3. Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

What It Is: Provides up to 45 months of education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty.
Who Qualifies: Spouses and children of eligible veterans.
How to Apply: Fill out VA Form 22-5490 and submit it online, by mail, or at a VA office.
How Much You Can Receive: Up to $1,401 per month for full-time students.

4. VA Home Loan Guaranty

What It Is: Helps surviving spouses of veterans obtain a home loan with no down payment and favorable loan terms.
Who Qualifies: Surviving spouses of veterans (not remarried) who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
How to Apply: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA’s eBenefits portal.
How Much You Can Receive: The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which can help you get better terms from lenders.

5. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

What It Is: A health care program for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability or who died from a service-connected condition.
Who Qualifies: Spouses and children who are not eligible for TRICARE.
How to Apply: Complete VA Form 10-10d and submit it online, by mail, or at a VA office.
How Much You Can Receive: CHAMPVA covers a significant portion of your medical expenses, similar to a health insurance plan.

6. Burial Benefits

What It Is: Includes burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. A burial allowance may also be available to help cover burial and funeral costs.
Who Qualifies: Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and their eligible family members.
How to Apply: Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or submit VA Form 21P-530 for burial allowances.
How Much You Can Receive: The burial allowance can be up to $2,000 for service-related deaths.

6. Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) Annuity

What It Is: A monthly annuity paid to surviving spouses and/or children of retired service members who elected to participate in the SBP.
Who Qualifies: Surviving spouses and children of service members who opted into the SBP.
How to Apply: Contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to start the claim process.
How Much You Can Receive: The amount varies based on the service member’s retirement pay and the elected coverage.

7. Aid and Attendance Benefits

What It Is: Additional financial assistance for surviving spouses and veterans who require the aid of another person to perform daily activities, are bedridden, or are residing in a nursing home.
Who Qualifies: Surviving spouses and veterans who meet the medical criteria.
How to Apply: Submit VA Form 21-2680 along with medical evidence.
How Much You Can Receive: The amount varies, but it can significantly increase your monthly pension.

8. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Death Benefit

What It Is: A death benefit paid to the beneficiaries of veterans who had VGLI coverage at the time of their death.
Who Qualifies: Beneficiaries named by the veteran.
How to Apply: Contact the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) to file a claim.
How Much You Can Receive: The benefit amount depends on the coverage selected by the veteran, up to $400,000.

9. State-Specific Survivor Benefits

What It Is: Some states offer additional benefits for survivors, such as educational assistance, tax exemptions, or additional financial aid. Benefits vary by state.
Who Qualifies: Eligibility varies by state and benefit type.
How to Apply: Check with your state’s Veterans Affairs office for specific application procedures.
How Much You Can Receive: Varies widely depending on the state and the specific benefit.