The Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly check paid to eligible survivors.
General Program Requirements
To qualify for this benefit program, you must be the child or spouse of a veteran who died while serving in active military duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
This benefit may also be payable to survivors of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths.
There is no requirement as to length of service.
National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for federal military service and later separated are considered to be veterans.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To complete an application, use VA Form 21-534, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits." You can download the form https://www.va.gov/vaforms.
For more information, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/
If you have questions:
- Visit https://iris.va.gov/ to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line.
- Call 1-800-827-1000.
- Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired.
Managing Agency
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
http://www.vba.va.gov
