
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)
What benefits are available to surviving spouses of Veterans?
- Personalized support – to receive educational counseling
- Career assistance – to help caregiver spouses find an adequate career as per their qualifications and interests
- Benefits Coaching – so you can learn how to make the most out of your VA benefits and assistance programs
Are there veterans benefits for spouses of Veterans?
- The Veteran maintains a 100% disability rating.
- The spouse and Veteran remain married.
- All children have to be under 18, or 23 if they are in school.
Can spouses of veterans get health benefits?
health insurance. Whether you are the spouse of a disabled Veteran or a surviving spouse of a deceased U.S. military service member, you may be eligible for VA’s healthcare benefits. This program is known as the “ Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs” (CHAMPVA) .

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 a spouse of a Veteran get health benefits?
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).
What benefits do military spouses get?
Many military benefits and resources are available to spouses.Access to commissaries and exchanges.Free gyms, libraries and other recreation opportunities.Free tax services.Free, confidential non-medical counseling services.Help with education and career goals.Military discounts.
How long do you have to be married to a veteran to be eligible for a surviving spouse?
A surviving spouse must have married a veteran who died due to a service-connected injury or disease, and the marriage must have begun within 15 years of the veteran’s discharge in which caused the disability. There is also a strict criterion for remarried surviving spouses.
What are the benefits of a widow?
These include dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC benefits), survivors pension, and burial benefits.
What is a survivor pension?
Survivor’s Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit that is payable to a low-income, unmarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with wartime service. The pay rate for this benefit has been set by Congress. This pension benefit comes as a monthly payment.
How long do you have to be married to a veteran before you die?
Married the veteran at least one year before the veteran’s passing, or. Had a child with the veteran and lived with the Veteran until their death. It is important to note that during the marriage, there must be no separations unless the surviving spouse was not responsible for the separation.
What are the requirements for a surviving spouse?
The requirements are as follows: A surviving spouse must have married a service member who died on active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training, or.
How long do you have to serve in the military after September 7th 1980?
If the Veteran entered active duty after September 7, 1980, they must have served a total of 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty with a least one day during a wartime period.
When did the veteran die?
The Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home. The veteran was entitled to received VA pension or compensation at the time of death, but instead received full military retirement or disability pay.
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.
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).
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.
How long do you have to be married to a veteran?
Married the Veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse, or. Were married to the Veteran or service member for at least 1 year, or.
How to apply for VA disability?
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways: 1 Work with an accredited representative.#N#Get help filing your claim 2 Use the direct upload tool through AccessVA to upload your form online.#N#Go to AccessVA to use direct upload 3 Mail your form to this address:#N#Department of Veterans Affairs#N#Pension Intake Center#N#PO Box 5365#N#Janesville, WI 53547-5365 4 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.#N#Find a VA regional office near you
What form do you fill out for dependents in VA?
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent (s) (VA Form 21P-535).
How long do you have to serve in the military before you die?
For at least 10 years before their death, or. Since their release from active duty and for at least 5 years immediately before their death, or. For at least 1 year before their death if they were a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.
Can you get compensation as a surviving parent?
As a surviving parent. You may be able to get compensation as a surviving parent if both of the descriptions below are true for you. You’ll also need to provide evidence with your claim showing that one of the descriptions below is true for the Veteran or service member.
Can you receive compensation if you remarry?
Note : If you remarried, you can receive or continue to receive compensation if one of these describes you:
Can you get compensation if you were adopted out of the family?
Note: If you were adopted out of the Veteran’s or service member’s family, but meet all other eligibility criteria, you still qualify for compensation.
What is VA Survivors Pension?
A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
How long did a veteran serve in the military?
At least one of these must be true. The Veteran: Entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active military service, with at least 1 day during a covered wartime period, or. Entered active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called ...
Do we process VA Survivors Pension?
It depends. We process VA Survivors Pension claims in the order we receive them, unless a claim requires priority processing.
