How long does it take to get survivor benefits from DIC?
So, you can consider 30 to 60 days of processing period for DIC survivor benefits. In this time period, you will receive your first paycheck, and after that, it will be in your hands each month. How do I check the status of my VA survivor benefits?
What is a DIC benefit?
Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) benefits are benefits which are paid to certain survivors of a veteran. These survivor benefits are paid in two primary situations: When a veteran who has a 100% rating for at least ten years prior to death dies for any reason When a veteran dies because of a service-connected disability
When do you qualify for DIC for veterans?
Under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school. Note: A child adopted out of the Veteran’s family may be eligible for DIC if all other eligibility criteria are met. Listed below are the evidence requirements for this benefit: Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you.
How long do you have to make a death claim DIC?
Entitlement to DIC will be from the first day of the month in which the veteran died if a claim is made within one year of the date of the veteran’s death. If a claim is made beyond one year of the date of the veteran’s death, entitlement will from the date on which the claim was received. Obtaining Evidence of the Death
How long does a VA DIC claim take?
approximately 125 daysYou can expect to wait a while when you file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to information published on the VA website, the average claims process time is approximately 125 days from the receipt of your application and supporting materials.
How much is DIC monthly?
$1,437.66Your monthly payment rate is: $1,437.66 You may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. Find any descriptions in the table below that are true for you. Add the amount listed in the Added monthly amount column of each description to your monthly payment.
How much will my spouse get for DIC?
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.
Are DIC benefits retroactive?
Retroactive Payments For example, if a surviving family member files a DIC claim within one year of the Veteran's death, then the surviving family member is entitled to receive benefits retroactive to the date of the Veteran's death.
How long does a widow get DIC?
Once granted, DIC is permanent for surviving spouses, unless the surviving spouse remarries prior to turning 57 years of age. For surviving children, DIC usually lasts until the age of 18 (or 23 if the child is still in school). “Helpless” adult children might also be entitled to DIC.
What VA benefits is a widow entitled to?
Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several monetary VA benefits for widows and surviving spouses of wartime veterans. These include dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC benefits), survivors pension, and burial benefits.
Can a widow receive DIC and Social Security?
Many survivors do not know that they can receive both DIC benefits and Social Security benefits at the same time. They receive DIC benefits because the death is service connected and Social Security benefits for a separate reason (retirement, disability, etc.).
How much is DIC for 2021?
How Much Is DIC? The basic monthly tax-free DIC benefit will increase from $1,357.56 for 2021 to $1,437.66 for 2022, with additional amounts also seeing the 5.9% increase.
Does a widow get her husband's VA disability?
Surviving military spouses can sometimes receive veterans disability compensation. This benefit is called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and it is paid on a monthly basis. DIC is available to a surviving military spouse (a widow or widower) and his or her dependent children.
Is DIC automatic?
HOW DO I APPLY FOR DIC PAYMENTS? DIC is NOT automatically payable to survivors. Survivors must apply for DIC by completing VA form 21-534. You must apply to the nearest VA Regional Office within 12 months from the date of death to receive full payment.
How far back will the VA pay back pay?
within 3 monthsThe VA usually issues the back pay check within 3 months after the claim is finalized.
Does VA DIC affect Social Security?
Yes, nothing that you receive from the VA would have any bearing on your Social Security benefits regardless of whether you're drawing Social Security benefits on your own record or widow's benefits.
Am I eligible for VA DIC as a surviving spouse or dependent?
Eligibility You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation if you meet these requirements. One of these must be true: You lived with the Veter...
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 survi...
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 survivin...
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...
JCFDog
JCFDog, sorry to hear about your wait, hopefully soon. Also sorry so long in responding myself. Your VSO making you wait for a month just doesn't sound right to me. That's terrible. Do you have everything filed now?
DIC Wait
Hello, My husband, best friend & soul mate past away Jan. 9 2011. I filed a DIC claim and the VA shows receiving it the end of January. Mine is straightforward, 100% SC for CLL (cancer) and Death Cert. states contributed to cause of death. All medical records, treatment and death are / were at Bay Pines VA.
Update
I called the VA today to check on my claim and I was told the only "active" claim they show for me is the Burial Allowance Claim. My other claim for DIC is showing "Closed Out" as of 5/13/11. But the gentleman I spoke to said that normally when a claim is closed out, he can see an award letter scanned into the system.
Hoping..
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I called again this morning and spoke to Peggy and she chastised me for not waiting the 5 days for a return call from Philadelphia.
I have my answer
I received my original claim for DIC in the mail today. They sent it back to me from Philadelphia because I neglected to sign the back page. It was two days after my husband passed and I guess I was in a fog and was relying on my VSO to guide me.
I Have My Answer Too
Glad to hear that all is resolved. All was finally resolved with me too at the end of April 2011 - so it took 6 months. Still no word on Burial Allowance, but I'm not worried about that. I just wanted to get DIC in place and get in the door before the politicians start all the cutting.
A Very Long Battle
My late husband passed away from ALS with 100% May 10, 2010 and I have been fighting this battle for a very long time. I finally got it approved through a VA advocate attorney and filed for my benefits back in Oct. 2015. According to the PVA, my representative told me that the guy that had my file, went on vacation and closed my case.
How long does a veteran have to be on 100% disability?
The veteran died from non service-connected injury or disease AND was receiving, or entitled to receive VA Compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (rated 100% or TDIU) for at least 1 year before death, if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.
What is service connected disability?
The service-connected disability was the primary or contributory cause to the death. However the death certificate fails to identify the service-connected disability as a cause of death. The veteran was not on claim for Disability Compensation and was married to a surviving spouse when the veteran died.
Can a veteran claim disability while he is alive?
A claim for Disability Compensation was never made while the veteran was alive, but the surviving spouse believes that the death was caused by an injury, exposure or illness incurred during service that is presumed to be service-connected.
Is DIC automatic?
For others the benefit is not automatic. There are a number of ways to create entitlement to DIC. The veteran died while on active service. The veteran had a service-connected disability or disabilities that were either the principal or contributory cause of the veteran’s death.
Can a veteran make a claim while the veteran is alive?
However, the veteran never made claim while the veteran was alive.
Is DIC automatic for veterans?
For some veterans deaths, DIC is automatic and the Regional Office will recognize from its records and from a death certificate that a benefit is forthcoming. The surviving spouse will receive an application to apply for benefits. For others the benefit is not automatic. There are a number of ways to create entitlement to DIC.
How long do you have to be married to receive DIC?
If you were married for eight years prior to death and your spouse received or was eligible to receive service-connected total disability benefits for eight years prior to death, you may be eligible for “enhanced DIC”.
Who is eligible for DIC benefits?
Which survivors are eligible for DIC benefits? Generally speaking, a surviving spouse who was married to the veteran at least a year before the veteran’s death can apply for dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. In limited situations, a spouse may be eligible even if the marriage was for less than a year.
How does DIC affect your benefits?
The amount of DIC benefits changes year to year. It also varies depending upon how many dependents are eligible for benefits. In the case of a surviving spouse, there are a number of factors that can affect the amount of the benefits including: The number of children. Whether the spouse requires aid and attendance.
What is DIC in military?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits. Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) benefits are benefits which are paid to certain survivors of a veteran. These survivor benefits are paid in two primary situations:
How old do you have to be to get DIC?
Children are eligible for DIC benefits if they are under 18 years of age. This eligibility can extend to age 23 if they stay in school. Disabled adult children are also eligible. Parents of the veteran may be eligible as well.
Can a veteran receive DIC benefits?
If the veteran died because of a service-connected disability, then eligible survivors can receive DIC benefits. If the veteran had already established service-connection for the disability, then this can often be straightforward. For example, the spouse of a veteran who died as a result of service-connected cancer should be eligible to receive DIC benefits.
Can you replace a veteran in a pending claim?
If you want to do this with a pending claim, then the eligible survivor will probably want to substitute for the veteran in the pending claim. In some situations, the ten years prior to death can be shortened ...
What is DIC benefit?
DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of: a military member who died while on active duty. a veteran whose death was the result of a service-related injury or disease. a veteran whose death wasn't related to their service but who got VA disability compensation. for at least 10 years immediately before death, OR.
How long do you have to be on active duty before you die?
for at least 10 years immediately before death, OR. since their release from active duty and for at least five years immediately preceding death, OR. for at least one year before death if they were a former POW who died after Sept. 30, 1999.
How much is a veteran rated disabled?
Add $288.27 if, at the time of death, the veteran was rated 100% disabled or unemployable as a result of disability. The veteran must have been rated that way for at least 8 continuous years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse had to be married to the veteran for those same 8 years.
How much does a surviving spouse add to the A&A?
If the surviving spouse is entitled to aid and attendance (A&A), add $336.32. If the surviving spouse is entitled to housebound, add $157.55. Add $289.00 if the surviving spouse has one or more children under the age 18.
Does DFAS reduce SBP annuity?
If a surviving spouse gets DIC from the VA based on the death of the service member who provides the SBP coverage, DFAS will reduce the SBP annuity by the amount of the DIC.
Surviving spouse rates if the Veteran died on or after January 1, 1993
You may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. Find any descriptions in the table below that are true for you. Add the amount listed in the Added monthly amount column of each description to your monthly payment. This is your total monthly payment.
Surviving spouse rates if the Veteran died before January 1, 1993
If you're the spouse or child of a Veteran who died before January 1, 1993, we use a different method to determine your DIC monthly payment.
How DIC may affect your VA Survivors Pension or Survivor Benefit Plan
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.
More benefits for survivors
If you're the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service, find out if you're eligible for monthly pension benefits based on your income and net worth.
What is VA DIC, and how does it work?
In the US military, there are a number of financial benefits offered to the spouses and children of deceased veterans. One such benefit is VA death and Indemnity compensation (DIC). VA death and indemnity compensation (DIC) is a series of benefits made by the Department of Veteran Affairs to the spouses when their veteran spouse dies.
Eligibility for VA DIC as a Veteran Spouse
If you are a spouse of a Veteran who has died or injured in the line of duty, you may be fulfilling the following conditions in order to get the VA DIC benefits.
What do you need to Apply for VA DIC?
There are multiple documents that you will need to provide in order to successfully apply for the VA DIC. In order to get DIC benefits, you will need to provide some evidence that you are eligible for the compensation.
How to apply for VA DIC?
The Veteran's disability claims can provide important benefits for surviving spouses. Whether you’re a veteran who is disabled or the spouse of a disabled vet, it’s worth the effort to apply for benefits. Benefits may include compensation, health care, and vocational rehabilitation or education.
How much does VA pay in the name of DIC?
The Veteran Administrative Department pays Death and Indemnity Compensation according to your current situation. The compensation mostly relies on your countable income and yearly income; this resembles your current situation. Another most important thing while counting the compensation is children.
When should I apply for VA DIC as a Veteran Spouse?
You have to apply as early as possible after your Veteran spouse’s death. The reason behind this is if you apply early, there are higher chances that you will start receiving the benefits after one month of applying. If you submit the form after 1 year of death, there are chances that your application will take some months to get processed.
How long does it take to get VA DIC survivor benefits?
It usually takes 30 to 60 days to receive VA DIC survivor benefits after submitting your form and all the documents. The time depends on various things, including how you submit the form. If you submit the form online, the process will be immediately started, and you will have to wait less time.
What is VA DIC?
About VA DIC for spouses, dependents, and parents. 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).
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 a veteran die from a service connected illness?
The Veteran didn’t die from a service-connected illness or injury, but was eligible to receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling for a certain period of time.
Can you get DIC benefits if you are denied service connected disability?
If we denied your Blue Water Navy Veteran’s service-connected disability claim in the past, you may be eligible for DIC benefits based on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
How long is a DIC backlog?
Each case is different and changes how long the claim takes. If the local VARO told you there is a seven month backlog then most likely that is how long you are looking at.
Why shouldn't DIC be handled by the VA?
DIC claims shouldn't be handled by the VA because the VA is already over crowded with Veterans' compensation claims. DIC should be handled by the state VA or DOD. VA should be only responsible for compensation claims only referring to Veterans not their family.
Understanding The Different Types of Claims
Elements Common to All Four Claims For Dic
- You must submit a death certificate for the deceased veteran for a claim for DIC. If the veteran died under circumstances where there is no death certificate or has been missing and presumed dead,...
- A copy of the marriage license is required for application for DIC. It may not be required for other applications for other benefits, but it is in this case. If a marriage license is not availabl…
- You must submit a death certificate for the deceased veteran for a claim for DIC. If the veteran died under circumstances where there is no death certificate or has been missing and presumed dead,...
- A copy of the marriage license is required for application for DIC. It may not be required for other applications for other benefits, but it is in this case. If a marriage license is not available...
- Entitlement to DIC will be from the first day of the month in which the veteran died if a claim is made within one year of the date of the veteran’s death.
- If a claim is made beyond one year of the date of the veteran’s death, entitlement will from the date on which the claim was received.
Obtaining Evidence of The Death
- We discussed in a previous section how under Title 38 CFR 3.211 evidence of death is determined. In almost all cases, evidence will be provided through a civil record death certificate. The following is a description from Wikipedia concerning a death certificate. Here is the top portion of the standard form a version of which should be used by all jurisdictions . This form is i…
The Case Where The Death Certificate Is Deficient
- This problem arises where the primary cause of death was not service-connected, but underlying causes or contributing causes were service-connected. For example, type II diabetes from exposure to herbicide is a presumptive service connected condition and the veteran may have been on claim or even not have been on claim for diabetes. If not on claim for diabetes and the r…
Death Caused by Treatment at A VA Medical Facility
- VA will also help you develop a claim for DIC that is not automatic if the veteran was treated at a VA medical center prior to his or her death and the treatment record could be tied to the death. In this case make sure you fill out this portion of the VA Form 21P-534EZshown below.