VA extends certain benefits to spouses of U.S. Veterans or active service members under two circumstances. A living dependent of a living Veteran or active service member. A surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran of U.S. military services.
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
Do VA benefits carry over to spouse?
No, a veteran's disability compensation payments are not continued for a surviving spouse after death. However, survivors may be entitled to a different type of benefit called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
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.
What benefits do wives of veterans get?
VA Spouse and Surviving Spouse Benefits Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): CHAMPVA provides health insurance and healthcare services and supplies for spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents who do not qualify for TRICARE.
Does the wife of a 100 disabled Veteran get benefits?
Did you know that the spouses of living disabled wartime veterans can also receive financial benefits? The nice thing about the financial benefits for spouses of former service members with a 100% service-connected disability is that you do not have to apply. Disability pay is separate from military retirement pay.
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).
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 long does a spouse get survivors benefits?
Widows and widowers Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.
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.
What happens to my VA disability when I turn 65?
Even after veterans reach full retirement age, VA's disability payments continue at the same level. By contrast, the income that people receive after they retire (from Social Security or private pensions) usually is less than their earnings from wages and salary before retirement.
Can my wife get half of my VA disability?
VA Disability Payments Cannot Be Divided As Marital Property in a Divorce. First off, VA disability payments cannot be divided in a divorce. Mansell v.
What is the VA 55 year rule?
What is the VA 55-year-old rule? Veterans who receive VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55 years old. This includes veterans who will be 55 by the date of a future examination, according to the VA Adjudication Procedures Manual.
Can the VA take away 100 permanent and total disability?
Yes, the VA can take away a 100 permanent and total disability rating!
Why do military spouses get VA benefits?
Therefore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers VA benefits for spouses to express gratitude and help balance the hardships that can be faced.
Who provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses of deceased veterans?
The DIC program by the Department of Veterans Affairs provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses of deceased Veterans.
What benefits do veterans get?
Moreover, Veterans and military spouses will learn how to qualify for certain benefits such as life insurance, healthcare, assistance with employment opportunities, disability benefits, and education benefits.
What is VA claims insider?
VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veteran s with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Independent Medical Opinions & Nexus Statements (Medical Nexus Letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
What is the military spouse preference program?
The Department of Defense Military Spouse Preference Program or MSP assists military spouses in securing the desired employment. Under this program, as a spouse, you will get preferential treatment for employment in placements positions open for a civilian in the Department of Defense (DOD).
What is myCAA for military spouses?
MyCAA – An education benefit or financing program for military spouses by the Department of Defense. There are numerous non-profit scholarships for spouses eligible for VA benefits such as Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), National Military Family Association (NMFA) etc. Other VA benefits for spouses may include:
How long do you have to pay for a VA test?
Once VA categorizes you under spouses eligible for VA benefits, you have up to ten years for your eligibility date to apply for dependent benefits.
What Benefits Do Spouses of Veterans Receive?
The VA serves more than 360,000 beneficiaries and provides VA benefits for spouses through its healthcare programs and other services for family members and dependents. Veteran spouse benefits depend on certain eligibility requirements. While different programs have unique requirements and purposes, most of them reimburse the costs of covered services. More information on each program is provided below: 3, 4
What is the VA benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits to veterans, ranging from physical and mental healthcare for veterans and their dependents to monthly disability payments. Spouses of veterans may also be able to use VA benefits if they meet certain VA requirements. These added benefits may include substance abuse treatment through the TRICARE program, which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for people with special needs. 1
How long does a spouse have to be married to get tricare?
Under the 20/20/15 rule, if there are only 15 years of overlap between the marriage and military service, the former spouse may receive up to 1 year of TRICARE coverage (unless they remarry).
What is a survivor spouse?
Surviving spouses are those who were married to a veteran at the time of a veteran’s death. They are eligible for the same VA benefits as spouses of living veterans except for the employment benefit. Additionally, they can apply for the following: 4
Can a spouse get tricare?
If a spouse does not qualify for TRICARE, they may be able to qualify for health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA is for current spouses of veterans who have disabilities or for surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty. CHAMPVA will share the cost of certain healthcare services and supplies if the spouse qualifies for the program. 1 One of those services is mental health, which includes substance misuse. For this type of care, spouses need to contact CHAMPVA for preapproval. 2
Can a former spouse be a Survivor Benefit Plan beneficiary?
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): A former spouse can be designated as a Survivor Benefit Plan beneficiary. Veterans benefits for spouses who are divorced are the same as those for current spouses. 12 The SBP will terminate if the divorced spouse remarries before the age of 55 unless the second marriage is dissolved through divorce or death. 13
Can a spouse of a veteran apply for TRICARE?
For substance abuse, the spouse first needs to apply for VA health care. Once enrolled in the VA health care system, they can apply for either TRICARE or CHAMPVA.
Who qualifies for health care benefits?
Health care for spouses, dependents, and family caregivers. 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.
Can a Korean vet get disability for Spina Bifida?
The Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program. If you’re the biological child of a Korean or Vietnam War Veteran and you’ve been diagnosed with spina bifida, you may qualify for disability benefits, including health care benefits. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
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.
On this page
Am I eligible for additional VA disability compensation for one or more of my dependents?
How to view current dependents
You can use our online tool to review the current dependents you've added to your VA disability benefits. To do this, you need to be signed in to VA.gov with a verified account.
How to add a dependent to your VA disability benefits
You can file a claim for additional compensation for a child or spouse online.
More questions about adding or removing a dependent
Yes, but we encourage you to file online. The online process is simple, and you can upload your supporting documents along with your claim.
More VA benefits for you and your dependents
Apply for monthly pension benefits for wartime Veterans and survivors.
How many points do you get for a veteran?
If you happen to be retired, have veteran status, or one of the many disabled veterans, your application to a state or federal office could gain 5 to 10 points in your total score for consideration. Those with a service-connected disability of at least 10% (in most areas) will receive points on the higher end of the scale. In states or job locations that forgo the usual point system, it could even get your submission bumped to the top of the list. It so happens that with many states and federal positions, this privilege extends to your current spouse as well as any unremarried surviving military spouses. A few states qualify all household dependents, including your children in on this benefit.
How long do you have to be in a veteran's cemetary?
Requirements to qualify are all pretty typical: 90–180 days of service in an active combat zone, an honorable discharge or a combat-related death while still serving, and residency for at least a year in the state in which you are to be buried. For some cemeteries, this right is reserved exclusively for veterans while others welcome spouses and unremarried, surviving partners. In rare cases, this offer can be extended to your immediate family members as well. If your spouse doesn’t qualify to be buried in your local, veteran cemetery, there are still options for you. In some states, funeral costs are covered for individuals with certain levels of disability or those who have been awarded medals such as the Purple Heart. These benefits can then often be extended to a spouse or surviving spouse so long as they have not remarried.
Do you get a tax break for a Purple Heart?
With at least 90 to 180 days of wartime service and an honorable discharge under your belt, most states offer retired military personnel and qualified veterans a break in their property taxes. The higher the percentage of your disability, the less you usually have to pay. This discount can mean thousands of dollars in savings. Some states require a certain level of disability for veterans to qualify. A few go so far as to waive taxes completely for veterans considered 100% disabled. This may also hold true for those who have earned their Purple Heart so long as they both own and live on the aid property as a year-round residence. Benefits may or may not be transferable to a new property if said veteran decides to move. Some places will require that you’ve lived in the same state for at least a year to qualify. Unremarried, surviving spouses are eligible for these same tax breaks in most cases.
How Much Assistance Does VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, and Survivors Provide?
TRICARE and CHAMPVA provide comprehensive health care, including dental, vision and mental health care and coverage for prescription drugs. The amount of coverage or the number of health care services covered will depend on what you are eligible for.
What are VA school benefits?
School and training benefits cover the costs for tuition, housing, books and supplies. Check out specific VA education benefits for survivors and dependents details here.
What time does the VA call?
If you need help or have questions about VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, and Survivors, call the following numbers Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET:
What is the free Veteran Affairs Guide?
Our free Veteran Affairs Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for VA benefits, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
What is the VA?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assists the families of veterans and service members. Veterans, service members, and family members must meet specific requirements to be eligible for benefits.
Where to file supplemental claim VA?
To file a supplemental claim and present new evidence that supports your case, or request a higher-level review from a senior officer, you can fill out the application here and submit it in person at a local VA office. Find the nearest VA health care facility location here.
Can a spouse be eligible for VA benefits?
Each VA benefit program for spouses, dependents, and survivors has specific eligibility requirements. The service member or veteran must be eligible for any family member to qualify for a VA program. Depending on the benefit, the service member or veteran must meet the following requirements as needed:
When did the VA pay for spouses who died?
Payments for Deaths Prior to Jan. 1, 1993: Surviving spouses of Veterans who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993, receive an amount based Parents’ DIC: VA provides an income-based monthly benefit to the surviving parent (s) of a Servicemember or Veteran whose death was service-related.
Who pays for military benefits if there is no spouse?
If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may be made to the military service concerned.
How to apply for DIC benefits?
They may apply for these benefits by writing to their VA regional office. They should include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from 2014 Survivors Pension Rates an attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and attendance or housebound care. The report should contain sufficient detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable. In addition, it is necessary to determine whether the surviving spouse is confined to the home or immediate premises.
What is Survivors Pension?
Survivors pension provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible person’s income to a level established by law. The payment is reduced by the annual income from other sources such as Social Security. The payment may be increased if the recipient has unreimbursed medical expenses that can be deducted from countable income.
How long do you have to be in the military to get a pension?
The Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must have had 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war, or a service-connected disability justifying discharge. Longer periods of service may be required for Veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or Oct. 16, 1981, if an officer. If the Veteran died in service but not in the line of duty, survivors pension may be payable if the Veteran completed at least two years of honorable service.>
How to apply for aid and attendance VA?
To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, write to a VA regional office. Please include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and attendance or housebound type care. The report should contain sufficient detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable. In addition, it is necessary to determine whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.
What is dependent and indemnity compensation?
For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), one of the following must have directly caused or contributed to the Veteran’s death: A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or active duty for training.
How long do you have to be married to get VA health insurance?
Health Benefits: Former spouses maintain eligibility for VA health insurance and other benefits if they meet the 20/20/20 rule. They must have been married to the military veteran for at least 20 years, the veteran must have at least 20 years of military service, and the military service and marriage must have overlapped by at least 20 years.
When does a spouse's survivor benefit plan end?
The beneficiary designation terminates if the former spouse remarries before age 55 unless that marriage also ends in divorce or the new spouse passes away.
What is apportionment in VA?
The term apportionment describes the process of the VA withholding a portion of the veteran’s disability compensation and directing it to a spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent. When divorce enters the picture, former spouses can apply to the VA for apportionment if they are able to prove a legitimate financial hardship. The qualifications, application process, and distribution of apportioned funds varies according to state laws.
How long does a spouse have to be on tricare?
The former spouse may receive only one year of TRICARE coverage if the marriage and the veteran’s military service overlapped by only 15 years. The Department of Defense Continued Healthcare Benefit is available to ex-spouses who do not meet either the 20/20/20 or 20/20/15 rules. They may apply for coverage within 60 days after losing eligibility to receive health insurance through the veteran and retain it for up to three years. Former spouses who choose this option will pay a monthly premium for healthcare coverage based on their income. Here are additional benefits they may receive.
What does post exchange and commissary benefit mean?
Post Exchange and Commissary Benefits: This benefit entitles veterans and certain family members to receive discount goods and tax-free shopping with participating merchants. Former spouses can retain this benefit if they meet the 20/20/20 rule.
Can you garnish VA disability payments?
Federal or state governments cannot garnish VA disability payments for past due taxes, nor can creditors request a garnishment of the disability compensation to satisfy past due accounts. No party can file for garnishment of VA disability compensation unless the veteran signed a full or partial waiver to not receive regular military retirement pay ...
Did the former spouse commit adultery while married to the veteran?
The former spouse committed adultery while married to the veteran and a state court confirmed this fact.
