Death during qualifying service
The service member died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive-duty training.
★ VA SURVIVOR-BENEFITS GUIDE
Did Your Veteran Spouse Pass Away?
You May Qualify for VA DIC.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free VA benefit for certain surviving spouses, children, and parents. Eligibility generally depends on the service member’s death circumstances, service connection, or qualifying total-disability history.
Start with the death certificate, DD214, marriage evidence, and VA records. The exact documents depend on why you believe DIC is payable.
APPLY THROUGH VAFIND ACCREDITED HELPTAX-FREE VA BENEFIT
FORM 21P-534EZ
ONLINE, MAIL, OR IN PERSON
ACCREDITED HELP AVAILABLE
Start by matching the claim to the eligibility path.
VA will review the service member or Veteran’s death circumstances and the surviving spouse’s eligibility.
Service-connected cause of death
The Veteran died from an illness or injury that VA determines was connected to military service.
Qualifying total-disability history
In some cases, DIC may be payable even when the death was not service connected if the Veteran had a total VA disability rating for a qualifying period.
What to gather before filing
- VA Form 21P-534EZ or the VA online survivor-benefits application.
- The Veteran’s DD214 or other separation records.
- The death certificate showing the cause of death.
- Marriage records and information about prior marriages, when applicable.
- Medical or service evidence connecting the death to service, when applicable.
- Information about dependent children and any claimed additional allowances.
- For an unmarried child: proof the child is under 18, is 18 to 23 and attending a VA-approved school, or became permanently unable to support themselves because of a disability that began before age 18.