VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
Who Can Qualify:
Surviving spouses of veterans who met certain service and marital conditions
Dependent children of qualifying service members or veterans
Surviving parents with limited income whose child died due to service-related causes
Key Eligibility Factors:
The veteran died while on active duty, during training, or due to a service-connected condition
The surviving spouse was married to the veteran for at least one year or had a child with them
Additional considerations apply for remarriage, dependent children, or parents’ income
2024 Monthly Rates (Starting Point):
$1,612.75/month for most surviving spouses
Additional amounts may be added for dependent children, aid and attendance needs, or if the veteran had a high disability rating before death
For the full eligibility guidelines and the most up-to-date benefit amounts: