If you've lost a veteran loved one, we're here to help you navigate the benefits you've earned. From monthly tax-free payments to emotional support—know that you're not alone. Survivors of veterans who died from service connected conditions, wartime veterans, and seniors needing daily care all have rights under VA benefits.
In the immediate aftermath of a loss, it can be hard to think clearly. Use this checklist to make sure you don't miss critical steps.
Call 1-800-827-1000 immediately. The VA will continue paying the veteran until they're notified of the death—resulting in an overpayment that you'll have to repay.
The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) is required for most survivor benefits. Check the veteran's important documents, military records, or request a copy from National Archives.
Request DD-214 OnlineTAPS provides 24/7 tragedy assistance and emotional support for anyone grieving a military loss. Their care team is available day or night.
Contact TAPS: 1-800-959-8273DIC is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible survivors. You may also qualify for Social Security survivor benefits — including a one-time $255 death payment and ongoing monthly payments. Apply for both through VA.gov and SSA.gov.
Beyond the VA, you'll need to notify Social Security (if different from Step 4), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) if the veteran received retirement pay, and any life insurance providers. Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and financial accounts to prevent ongoing charges.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides monthly tax-free payments to surviving family members, while Aid and Attendance benefits add extra support for those who need daily help. Together they form two of the most important VA benefits available to survivors and seniors.
DIC is a monthly, tax-free payment made to eligible surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents of service members who died in the line of duty—or of veterans whose death was related to a service-connected condition.
Source: VA.gov, effective December 1, 2025.
If the veteran was rated totally disabling for at least 8 continuous years immediately prior to death, AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years, the spouse may qualify for DIC regardless of the cause of death. This is a critical provision that many survivors miss — it means even if the death wasn't service-connected, you may still receive DIC.
DIC turns on documentation, not good intentions. The VA must be able to trace the veteran's death back to a service-connected condition through the paper trail — and the single most important document is the death certificate.
Two paths can establish eligibility. Either the cause of death on the certificate links to a service-connected condition, or the veteran held a 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) rating for at least 10 years before passing. If the death certificate is silent on the connection and no medical opinion bridges the gap, the VA is left with nothing to rate — and the claim stalls.
That's why surviving spouses should pay close attention to how the cause of death is recorded. If the link is unclear at the time of death, request an autopsy and ask the attending physician or coroner to document the service-connected contribution in writing. An element that never makes it into the record may as well not exist.
If the surviving spouse or veteran needs help with daily activities—like bathing, dressing, or eating—Aid and Attendance provides additional monthly compensation on top of the base DIC rate.
Rates effective December 2025. Paid in addition to VA pension or compensation.
Apply via VA Form 21-2680. A physician must complete the examination portion.
In addition to DIC, wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance. This is a separate benefit based on income and net worth—not service-connected death.
For survivors of service-connected deaths. Based on the veteran's service-connected disability rating at time of death. Tax-free monthly payment.
For wartime veterans/survivors with limited income who need daily assistance. Based on financial need and ability to perform daily activities.
You may qualify for BOTH programs if the veteran had service-connected conditions AND meets the pension income requirements.
Wartime veteran needing daily assistance
($29,093/year)
With one dependent spouse
($34,488/year)
Wartime veteran's surviving spouse
($18,697/year)
These are maximum MAPR (Maximum Annual Pension Rate) amounts. Your actual benefit is reduced by countable income. The 2026 net worth limit is $163,699 — if your net worth exceeds this, you won't qualify. Your home, vehicle, and certain other assets are excluded from this calculation.
Learn More About VA Pension A&AThese organizations exist to help you. Whether you need benefits guidance, emotional support, or state-level assistance—reach out. You don't have to navigate this alone.
The central hub for all federal survivor benefits. They provide guidance on DIC, education benefits, home loans, and other VA programs designed specifically for surviving family members of veterans. Also see the Veteran ID Cards, MWR, and Perks for surviving spouses.
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
TAPS provides 24/7 tragedy assistance and emotional support for anyone grieving a military loss. Their trained care team is available day or night—for surviving spouses, children, parents, or anyone affected.
Phone: 1-800-959-8273
America's Gold Star Families is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families who have lost a loved one. They provide scholarships, advocacy, commemorative events, and peer support connecting families across the country.
Visit America's Gold Star FamiliesThe VA provides headstones, markers, and burial allowances for eligible veterans. Benefits include a free Government headstone, burial in a VA cemetery, and reimbursement for some burial costs.
Non-service-connected death: Up to $1,002 burial allowance + $1,002 plot allowance
Service-connected death: Up to $2,000 burial allowance
Every state runs its own Department of Veterans Affairs offering state-specific benefits: property tax exemptions, education waivers, state veterans homes, and employment preference. Many state offices also have accredited VSOs who can help you file VA claims—often with shorter wait times than federal offices.
Find your state office: NASDVA State Directory
In addition to VA benefits, surviving family members may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits. This includes a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment and ongoing monthly payments for widows, widowers, and dependent children—separate from and in addition to VA DIC.
Call: 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office
The benefits outlined here are not charity—they are compensation for service given. If your veteran earned them, you deserve them. We're here to help you claim what's yours.
Additional Resources
Need immediate help? Call 1-800-959-8273 (TAPS) or 1-800-827-1000 (VA Benefits)
