If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.

Information for survivors with PACT Act-related claims

If you think you’re eligible for VA DIC under the PACT Act, you can submit a new application.

If we denied your claim in the past and we think you may be eligible now, we’ll try to contact you. We may be able to reevaluate your claim. But you don’t need to wait for us to contact you before you reapply.

Learn more about what the PACT Act means for you as a survivor

Am I eligible for VA DIC as a surviving spouse or dependent?

As a surviving spouse

As a surviving child

As a surviving parent

Note: If you’re the survivor of a Veteran who died from COVID-19 and a service-related condition made their illness worse, you may be eligible for VA DIC. When we review your application, we’ll consider whether a service-related condition contributed to your loved one’s illness.

What kind of benefits can I get?

If you qualify, you can get tax-free monetary benefits. The amount you receive depends on the type of survivor you are.

DIC benefit rates for surviving spouses and children

DIC benefits for surviving parents

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How do I apply for compensation?

First you’ll need to fill out an application for benefits. The application you fill out will depend on your survivor status.

If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office.

Get VA Form 21P-534a to download

If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).

Get VA Form 21P-534EZ to download

If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).

Get VA Form 21P-535 to download

You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:

 Work with an accredited representative.

Get help filing your claim

 Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA to upload your form online.

Go to AccessVA to use QuickSubmit

 Mail your form to this address:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Pension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville, WI 53547-5365

 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.

Find a VA regional office near you

Should I submit an intent to file form?

You may want to submit an intent to file form before you apply for DIC benefits. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date). When you notify us of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (payments that start at a point in the past).

Find out how to submit an intent to file form