Does VA healthcare cover spouse?
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), is a health care benefits program that provides coverage to the spouse or widow (er) and to the dependent children of a qualifying Veteran or Servicemember who: has dependents who are not eligible for Department of Defense TRICARE benefits.
What are the benefits of marrying a veteran?
- VA Form 21-534 for dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension, and/or accrued benefits
- A copy of the veteran’s death certificate
- A copy of the veteran’s DD214 discharge certificate
- A copy of the marriage certificate (or proof of marriage)
Are spouses covered by VA?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits to veterans and their dependents (e.g., children, spouses) for physical and mental healthcare. 1 As the spouse of a veteran, you may be able to use VA benefits to access insurance coverage for rehab and therapy related to addiction. 1
Does surviving spouse get VA benefits?
While an un-remarried spouse is eligible at any age, a child of a deceased wartime Veteran must be:
- Under 18, OR
- Under age 23 if attending a VA-approved school, OR
- Permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability before age 18
How much does the VA pay for a spouse?
The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $332 to the surviving spouse's monthly DIC if there are children under age 18.
Can spouses of veterans go to the VA?
Qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents of veterans or currently serving military members may be eligible for one or more important VA benefits. These benefit areas will have varying requirements, application time frames, and benefit duration.
Is my wife covered under my VA health care?
If you're the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or family caregiver of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for health care benefits. In certain cases, you may also qualify for health care benefits due to a disability related to your Veteran's service.
How do I add my wife to my VA benefits?
If you can't, or don't want to file online, you can file a claim for additional disability compensation by mail using these forms: For a spouse or a child under 18 years of age, you'll need to fill out an Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents (VA Form 21-686c).
How long do you have to be married to a deceased veteran to receive VA benefits?
The spouse must also have been married to the deceased veteran for at least a year before they died to become eligible for some VA benefits .
What is VA family relationship?
This is a term the VA uses to describe how a family member might be eligible. This is because they can only get the benefits through the veteran and their service, not on their own.
What Does Surviving Spouse Mean?
If a veteran is deceased, a spouse can still qualify for some VA medical benefits. The VA uses the term surviving spouse. The VA has some requirements for the surviving spouse to qualify for benefits. These include:
What Is the VA?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs, commonly referred to as the VA, is part of the executive branch of the US government. Their responsibility is to provide medical benefits to veterans from the US military and active service members.
Where Could You Get Help Applying for VA Benefits?
Wondering where you can go to get help qualifying for medical services? Check out the list below of places you could visit to get assistance qualifying for VA medical benefits.
What is VA support?
The VA also offers support services that a primary care doctor prescribes to diagnose health conditions, therapy, and rehabilitation services.
Why is VA rating important?
The rating is significant because it assigns a percentage to the veteran’s disability.
What is a survivor benefit?
The Survivor Benefit Program is a voluntary annuity program that service members may buy as a retirement benefit for their family members. An annuity is a monthly payment received for life. Depending on their military service, members may use this program to buy a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP).
How to notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service of a VA DIC award letter?
Be sure to notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service as soon as you qualify for DIC so they can reduce your SBP or RCSBP payment amount and you can avoid owing money. You’ll need to send them a copy of your VA DIC award letter. You can call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at 800-321-1080 , Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Can a veteran have a child?
Surviving eligible child of a Veteran, when the Veteran doesn’t have a surviving spouse who’s eligible for DIC. We’ll base your payment amount on the number of the Veteran’s eligible surviving children. You're an eligible child if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.
Can you get DIC and Survivors Pension?
If you’re eligible for both DIC and Survivors Pension benefits, we’ll pay you whichever benefit gives you the most money. You can't get both.
When will VA extend the presumptive period for chronic disabilities?
VA has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans.
Does the VA endorse external links?
External Link Disclaimer: This site contains links that may take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
How to apply for VA benefits?
Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below. Apply online using eBenefits, OR. Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR. Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you.
What are the benefits of being an elderly veteran?
VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Does the VA endorse external links?
External Link Disclaimer: This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
