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 ...
- 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 ...
- 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 ...
- 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.
Full Answer
How much is DIC compensation?
DIC rates if veteran died on or after January 1, 1993. Dependency and indemnity compensation is paid to a surviving spouse at the monthly rate of $1,437.66 for 2022.
Is DIC taxable?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or “DIC,” is available to eligible survivors and dependents of veterans who had service-connected disabilities or diseases. The amount of DIC compensation is not based on income and is paid as a tax-free monthly benefit.
Who qualifies for VA DIC?
Who Qualifies for VA DIC Benefits? Understanding VA DIC benefits. DIC stands for Dependency Indemnity Compensation. Qualified surviving spouses, children, or parents of a deceased veteran or service member may receive a tax-free, monetary benefit. In 2019, the Veterans Administration significantly expanded the Dependency Indemnity Compensation ...
What does DIC benefits mean?
To be eligible for DIC, a surviving child must meet all of the following criteria:
- under the age of 18, or under the age of 23 if attending school
- unmarried
- not factored into a surviving spouse/parent’s DIC
How do you qualify for DIC?
To be eligible for this benefit, the claimant(s) must be the eligible surviving spouse or dependent child of a military Servicemember or Veteran who meets one of the following: Died while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
Is VA 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 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.
How Much Does VA pay for DIC?
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.
When should I apply for DIC?
I strongly recommend that any eligible survivor apply for DIC benefits immediately after the death of the Veteran. However, the law allows a survivor to apply any time after the death of the Veteran, with some significant limits on how much compensation can be recovered.
How does a widow qualify for DIC?
Who is eligible? You may be eligible for DIC benefits if you are a surviving spouse who: • Married a Service member who died on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training, OR • Married the deceased Veteran before Jan.
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 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.
How long does it take to process VA DIC?
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 does VA DIC work?
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 was rated totally disabled by the VA.
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...
What is this program?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Servicemembers who died in the lin...
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for this benefit, the claimant(s) must be the eligible surviving spouse or dependent child of a military Servicemember or Veteran wh...
How do I apply for this program?
To complete an application, use VA Form 21P-534EZ, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Death Pension, and/or Accrued Bene...
How can I contact someone?
If you have questions: Call 877-294-6380 or 800-827-1000 Call 711, if you use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), or Visit the Inquiry...
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).
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.
What is DIC in military?
Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) DIC is a tax free benefit paid to eligible survivors of Servicemembers or Veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service related injury or disease.
What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monthly benefit paid to. eligible survivors of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or eligible. survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.
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.
What is the form for a VA death certificate?
If the veteran died under circumstances where there is no death certificate or has been missing and presumed dead, there are equivalent ways to establish death. There is VA Form 21-1775 – Statement of Disappearance, on the Claim Support Disc if the veteran has been missing and presumed dead for seven years or longer.
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.
What is DIC compensation?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or “DIC,” is available to eligible survivors and dependents of veterans who had service-connected disabilities or diseases. The amount of DIC compensation is not based on income and is paid as a tax-free monthly benefit.
What is considered a veteran for DIC?
To be considered a qualifying veteran for DIC purposes, the deceased veteran must meet either of the following criteria: Died from a service-related injury or disease. Died from a non-service-related injury or disease but was eligible for or receiving VA compensation for a totally disabling service-connected disability: ...
How long does a veteran have to be married to receive disability?
if the veteran had been receiving disability compensation for a totally disabling service-connected disability or disease for at least 8 continuous years during which the surviving spouse was married to them. Any dependent children under the age of 18. If the surviving spouse is entitled to aid and attendance (A&A)
How long do you have to be married to a veteran to qualify for DIC?
To be eligible for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet any of the following criteria: married to the veteran before 1/1/1957. married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of service during which the service-connected disability or disease occurred ...
Can a parent of a veteran receive a tax free benefit?
Parents of veterans who died as the result of a service-related injury or disease may be eligible to receive a tax-free monthly benefit if their income falls below a certain level.
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.
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”.
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?
First things first, DIC stands for Dependency Indemnity Compensation. The DIC is a monthly payment made to the surviving spouse and children of veterans who either died during their service, due to an injury related to their service, or were disabled in the years leading up to their death.
How Much is the DIC benefit?
The base rate is $1,215 per month, but that amount can go up based on the veteran’s rank, the number of children, and if you’re eligible for additional benefits such as the Aid & Attendance pension.
How Do I Apply?
If you’ve gotten this far and are ready to send in your application, then you should complete VA Form 21-534 and send it in to your local VA office.
What is DIC in military?
Overview of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free, monthly benefit paid to a surviving spouse, children, and sometimes parents of a veteran whose death was related to military service or a service-connected condition. Survivors are not paid the same monthly amount ...
How long do you have to be a veteran to qualify for DIC?
In order for survivors to qualify for DIC benefits, veterans and service members must meet one of the following criteria: “For at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.”.
What is dependent and indemnity compensation?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free, monthly benefit paid to a surviving spouse, children, and sometimes parents of a veteran whose death was related to military service or a service-connected condition. Survivors are not paid the same monthly amount that the veteran was receiving at their time of death. DIC has its own exclusive rates (see section below).
How much is the DIC rate in 2021?
In 2020, DIC benefits saw a 1.6 percent increase. This year, in 2021, DIC rates will see a 1.3 percent increase. As such, the monthly DIC rate will now be $1,357.56 effective December 2020 .
What are the requirements for VA disability?
The veteran’s death was not service-related, but was entitled to receive VA disability compensation for a totally disabling condition (or total disability based on individual unemployability, TDIU):#N#For a period of at least 10 years prior to death; or#N#Since release from active duty and for a period of at least five years prior to the veteran’s death; or#N#“For at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.” 1 For a period of at least 10 years prior to death; or 2 Since release from active duty and for a period of at least five years prior to the veteran’s death; or 3 “For at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.”
Can a spouse of a veteran receive DIC benefits?
Surviving spouses are typically eligible for DIC benefits if they were married to the veteran for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the veteran’s death. Survivors who were not technically married to the veteran may still qualify for these benefits in certain circumstances.
Who is eligible for DIC?
As 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 eligible for VA DIC payments.
What is the FDC program?
The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program is the fastest way to get your VA pension claim processed. Learn more about the FDC program. Last updated: May 7, 2021.
What is FDC in VA?
A surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who has died. Applying for VA benefits and/or the money that we owe the Veteran but didn’t pay prior to their death (accrued benefits) Using the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program to get a decision on your claim faster by submitting evidence along with your claim.
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.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.
Eligibility
- To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet the requirements below. The surviving spouse was: 1. Married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR 2. Validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957, OR 3. Married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury tha…
Evidence Required
- Listed below are the evidence requirements for this benefit: 1. The Servicemember died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR 2. The Veteran died from an injury or disease deemed to be related to military service, OR 3. The Veteran died from a non service-related injury or disease, but was receiving, OR was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for ser…
How to Apply
- Complete VA Form 21P-534ez, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child and mail to the Pension Management Center th...
- Work with an accredited representative or agent OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional offi…
- Complete VA Form 21P-534ez, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child and mail to the Pension Management Center th...
- Work with an accredited representative or agent OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page OR
- If the death was in service, your Military Casualty Assistance Officer will assist you in completing VA Form 21P-534a, " Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and/or...
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.