VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Dependents: Complete 2026 Guide
Overview: Benefits for Military Families
Losing a veteran is devastating. During this difficult time, understanding available benefits should not add to your burden. This guide covers the benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of veterans.
Military families may qualify for substantial benefits including monthly compensation (up to $1,699+ per month), healthcare coverage, education assistance worth over $100,000, home loans, and burial benefits. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members or veterans.
Who Qualifies for DIC
Surviving Spouse Eligibility:
- Married to the veteran at time of death
- AND one of the following applies:
- Veteran died from a service-connected disability or condition
- Veteran was rated totally disabled (100% or TDIU) for at least 10 continuous years before death
- Veteran was rated totally disabled from discharge for at least 5 continuous years before death
- Veteran was rated totally disabled for at least 1 year before death if former POW who was rated for at least 1 year
Remarriage Rules:
- If you remarried before age 57, you lose DIC eligibility
- If you remarried after age 57 (or after December 16, 2003), you can keep DIC
- If your remarriage ends (divorce, death, annulment), you can reapply for DIC
Children Eligibility:
- Unmarried children under 18
- Children 18-23 if attending school
- Children who became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18
Dependent Parents:
- May qualify if veteran died from service-connected causes
- Income-based benefit
2026 DIC Rates (Effective December 1, 2025)
| Recipient | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse (base rate) | $1,699.36 |
| Additional for first 2 years with child under 18 | $359.00 |
| Additional if spouse needs Aid & Attendance | $400.07 |
| Additional if spouse is housebound | $186.51 |
| Additional for 8-year veteran rating | $360.85 |
The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
DIC is tax-free at both federal and state levels. Combined with other survivor benefits, families may receive substantial ongoing support.
How to Apply for DIC
- Complete VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits)
- Include death certificate
- Include marriage certificate
- Include veteran's DD-214
- Include birth certificates for dependent children
- Submit via VA.gov, mail, or in person
Survivors Pension
The Survivors Pension is an income-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans.
Eligibility Requirements
Veteran Requirements:
- Served during wartime period
- Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- At least 90 days active duty with at least 1 day during wartime
- OR discharged for service-connected disability
Survivor Requirements:
- Not remarried (or remarried after age 57)
- Net worth below VA threshold
- Annual income below Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)
Wartime Periods
- World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Era: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (Feb 28, 1961 if served in Vietnam)
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – present
2026 Pension Rates (MAPR) - Effective December 1, 2025
| Category | Annual Rate | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse alone | $11,699 | $975 |
| Surviving spouse with 1 child | $15,311 | $1,276 |
| Surviving spouse needing Aid & Attendance | $18,694 | $1,558 |
| Surviving spouse, housebound | $14,303 | $1,192 |
| Each additional child | $2,948 | $246 |
Net Worth Limit: $163,699 (2026)
Unlike DIC, Survivors Pension is income-based. Your countable income must fall below these thresholds. Certain medical expenses can be deducted to reduce countable income.
DIC vs. Survivors Pension
| Feature | DIC | Survivors Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Service-connected death OR 100% rating | Wartime service + low income |
| Income limit | None | Yes ($163,699 net worth limit) |
| Amount | Fixed rates ($1,699+/month) | Variable based on income (up to $975/month) |
| Taxable | No | No |
| Can receive both? | No—must choose one | No—must choose one |
If you qualify for both, the VA will pay whichever benefit is higher. In most cases, DIC is significantly more valuable.
CHAMPVA Healthcare
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) provides healthcare coverage for dependents who do not qualify for Tricare.
Who Qualifies for CHAMPVA
You may qualify if you are:
- The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from service-connected disability
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who was rated P&T at time of death
- The surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty
You do not qualify if:
- You are eligible for Tricare
- You are eligible for Medicare Part A (with some exceptions for those 65+)
CHAMPVA Coverage
CHAMPVA covers most healthcare services:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Durable medical equipment
- Skilled nursing care
CHAMPVA Costs (2026)
| Service Type | Your Cost |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care | 25% coinsurance after deductible |
| Inpatient care | $0 (no deductible for inpatient) |
| Prescription drugs (Meds by Mail) | $0 copay, no deductible |
| Prescription drugs (retail) | Copay varies |
| Annual deductible | $50 individual / $100 family maximum |
| Annual out-of-pocket cap | $3,000 per family |
Money-Saving Tip: Use CHAMPVA Meds by Mail for prescriptions. You pay $0 copay and no deductible for medications ordered through this program, compared to retail pharmacy costs. The $3,000 annual cap also protects your family from catastrophic medical costs.
CHAMPVA vs. Tricare
| Feature | CHAMPVA | Tricare |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | VA-related (disability, death) | DoD-related (active duty, retiree) |
| Administrator | VA | DoD |
| Cost | Generally lower | Varies by plan |
| Network | Any authorized provider | Specific networks |
| Can have both? | No | Yes (if eligible for both) |
If you are eligible for Tricare, you cannot enroll in CHAMPVA. Tricare eligibility takes precedence.
Education Benefits for Dependents
Dependents of veterans may qualify for several education programs.
Chapter 35 DEA (Dependents' Educational Assistance)
Eligibility:
- Spouse or child of veteran with P&T rating
- Spouse or child of veteran who died from service-connected disability
- Spouse or child of service member MIA or POW
Benefits (2026 Rates):
- Up to 45 months of education benefits
- Monthly stipend: $1,574/month full-time, $1,244/month three-quarter time
- Covers tuition, fees, books
Time Limits:
- Spouses: 10-20 years depending on circumstances
- Children: Generally ages 18-26
Fry Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001
- Surviving spouses (if death occurred after January 1, 2013)
Benefits:
- Same as Post-9/11 GI Bill at 100% level
- Full tuition (public school in-state rate or private school cap)
- Monthly housing allowance
- Books stipend
The Fry Scholarship provides the same benefits as the Post-9/11 GI Bill—potentially over $100,000 in education value. It is one of the most valuable dependent benefits available.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship vs. Chapter 35 DEA
| Feature | Fry Scholarship | Chapter 35 DEA |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Requirement | Died in line of duty (post-9/11) | P&T or service-connected death |
| Benefit Level | Post-9/11 GI Bill equivalent | Fixed monthly rate |
| Housing Allowance | Yes | No |
| Choose One? | Cannot receive both simultaneously | Cannot receive both simultaneously |
State Education Benefits for Dependents
Many states offer additional education benefits:
| State | Program | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| California | CalVet Fee Waiver | Free tuition at state schools |
| Texas | Hazlewood Legacy Act | Up to 150 hours free tuition |
| Illinois | MIA/POW Scholarship | Full tuition at state schools |
| New York | Military Service Recognition Scholarship | Up to $6,195/year |
| Florida | Scholarships for Dependents | Full tuition waiver |
Home Loan Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses may be eligible for VA home loan benefits.
Eligibility
You may qualify if your spouse:
- Died from service-connected disability
- Was MIA or POW for 90+ days
- Was rated 100% P&T at time of death
Benefits
- No down payment required
- No PMI
- Limited closing costs
- Competitive interest rates
- Funding fee may be waived
Restrictions
- Must be used for primary residence
- Cannot have remarried (unless after age 57)
- One-time benefit
Burial and Memorial Benefits
The VA provides burial benefits to honor veterans' service.
Burial Allowance (2026 Rates)
| Category | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death | $1,002 | $1,002 |
| Non-service-connected death (VA hospital) | $948 | $948 |
| Non-service-connected death (elsewhere) | $400 | $400 |
Note: For service-connected deaths, there is no time limit to file. For non-service-connected deaths, you must file within 2 years.
Cemetery Benefits
- Burial in VA national cemetery (if space available)
- Headstone or marker
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Burial flag
- Military honors at funeral
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Burial
If the veteran's death was service-connected, burial allowance is paid in addition to DIC.
State Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Many states offer additional benefits:
Property Tax Exemptions
| State | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Texas | Full exemption for surviving spouse of 100% veteran |
| Florida | $5,000 exemption + additional for service-connected death |
| California | Exemption continues for unremarried spouse |
| Virginia | Full exemption continues for spouse |
State Pension Programs
Some states offer supplemental pensions or one-time payments to surviving spouses.
Vehicle Benefits
- Free or reduced registration
- Special license plates
- Toll exemptions in some states
State benefits vary significantly. Use our Benefits Finder to discover specific benefits available in your state.
How to Apply: Checklist
Documents You Will Need:
- Veteran's DD-214
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Veteran's VA rating decision (if applicable)
- Your Social Security number
- Bank account information for direct deposit
Applications to File:
| Benefit | Form |
|---|---|
| DIC | VA Form 21-534EZ |
| Survivors Pension | VA Form 21-534EZ |
| CHAMPVA | VA Form 10-10d |
| Chapter 35 DEA | VA Form 22-5490 |
| Fry Scholarship | VA Form 22-1990 |
| Burial Benefits | VA Form 21-530EZ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both DIC and my own VA disability compensation?
No. If you are a veteran with your own rating and also a surviving spouse, you must choose between DIC and your VA disability compensation. You will receive whichever is higher.
What if I remarried and then divorced?
If you remarried and lost DIC eligibility, then later divorced (or your new spouse died), you can reapply for DIC. The benefit is reinstated.
Do these benefits affect my other income?
DIC and Chapter 35 DEA are not taxable and generally do not count as income for other federal programs. Survivors Pension is income-based, so other income affects your eligibility.
How long does it take to get approved?
DIC claims typically take 3-6 months. CHAMPVA enrollment takes 6-8 weeks. Education benefits can be approved in weeks if documentation is complete.
What is the 8-year provision for DIC?
If the veteran was rated 100% disabled (or unemployable due to disability) for at least 8 continuous years before death, AND you were married to the veteran for those same 8 years, you receive an additional $360.85 per month on top of the base DIC rate.
Can children receive benefits after age 18?
Yes, if enrolled in school (through age 23) or if they became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18.
Take Action Today
If you have lost a veteran spouse or parent, benefits can provide crucial financial support and healthcare coverage. Here is your action plan:
- Gather documentation (DD-214, death certificate, marriage certificate)
- Apply for DIC immediately—there is no deadline for service-connected deaths
- Enroll in CHAMPVA if you are not eligible for Tricare
- Explore education benefits for yourself and children (Chapter 35 or Fry Scholarship)
- Check state benefits for property tax exemptions, education assistance, and other support
Potential Total Value of Survivor Benefits
| Benefit | Potential Annual Value |
|---|---|
| DIC (base rate) | $20,392/year |
| CHAMPVA healthcare savings | $5,000-$15,000/year vs. private insurance |
| Chapter 35 DEA | Up to $70,830 total (45 months) |
| Fry Scholarship | $100,000+ total education value |
| State property tax exemption | $1,000-$5,000+/year (varies by state) |
You do not have to navigate this alone. Use our Benefits Finder to discover all federal, state, and local benefits available to your family. Many benefits are available that survivors do not know about—make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to.
Your family's sacrifice is recognized. These benefits exist to support you during this difficult time and beyond.
Related Articles
CHAMPVA Healthcare for Dependents: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about CHAMPVA healthcare coverage for spouses and children of veterans rated 100% P&T, including eligibility, costs, covered services, and how to apply.
Chapter 35 DEA Education Benefits for Dependents: 2026 Guide
A complete guide to Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) for spouses and children of 100% P&T veterans, including payment rates, eligible programs, and how to apply.
TSGLI Benefits Complete Guide: Schedule of Losses, Claims & Payment Amounts
Everything you need to know about Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) — who qualifies, the schedule of losses, payment amounts from $25,000 to $100,000, and how to file a claim.
VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Explained: Levels, Rates & Eligibility
Learn about VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), including SMC-K, SMC-S, SMC-L rates for 2026, eligibility requirements, and how to claim additional compensation beyond standard disability pay.