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The maximum monthly benefit amounts are:
Surviving Spouse | $1,244 Monthly ($14,928 Annually) |
Single Veteran | $1,936 Monthly ($23,232 Annually) |
Married Veteran | $2,295 Monthly ($27,540 Annually) |
Two Vets Married | $3,071 Monthly ($36,852 Annually) |
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 are the benefits for widows of Veterans?
The VA doesn’t single out glioblastoma, which accounts for about 80% of all metastatic brain tumors, for claims purposes. For veterans and family members dealing with the emotional and physical toll of battling brain cancer, the added burden of quarreling with the VA over benefits can be too much.
How much money do widows of veterans make?
You may be eligible if:
- the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- they served 24 months or more of active duty with at least 1 day during wartime. AND
- you are the un-remarried surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran, AND
- you have a COMBINED net worth and income of $138,489 or less
Are there benefits for a widow of a veteran?
They will receive additional amounts under the following circumstances:
- $305.28 Add if the veteran at the time of death was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based ...
- $356.16 Add for each dependent child under age 18
- $356.16 Is also added to the monthly check if the surviving spouse is entitled to Aid and Attendance benefits

How much are VA spousal benefits?
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.
When a Veteran dies does his wife get his benefits?
VA's website states that the surviving spouse of a veteran is eligible to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation if they: Were married to a service member who died “while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training”; OR. Were legally married to the veteran before January 1, 1957; OR.
What benefits to surviving spouses of veterans get?
Survivors of veterans who served during wartime can apply to receive a tax-free VA Survivors Pension, a monthly payment to surviving spouses with modest incomes who have not remarried. The benefit is also available to unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans.
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.
What is the VA 10 year rule?
The VA disability 10-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot eliminate a disability rating that has been in place for at least 10 years unless there is evidence of fraud. This 10-year period is calculated from the effective date of VA's original grant for service connection.
When my husband dies will I get his VA disability?
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).
What is the difference between survivor benefits and widow benefits?
It is important to note a key difference between survivor benefits and spousal benefits. Spousal retirement benefits provide a maximum 50% of the other spouse's primary insurance amount (PIA). Alternatively, survivors' benefits are a maximum 100% of the deceased spouse's retirement benefit.
What is DIC benefit?
The DIC program by the Department of Veterans Affairs provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses of deceased Veterans. The idea is to compensate you for the economic loss caused by the death of the Veteran due to their service-connected disability or death of a service member during their service period.
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).
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.
What is DEA in VA?
The Survivor’s and Dependent’s Education Assistance or (DEA) is a program for spouses eligible for VA benefits. This program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers assistance to all eligible spouses of Veterans with permanent and total VA disability ratings due to service-connected conditions.
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 does it take to convert a spouse's life insurance to an individual?
As military spouses who are eligible for VA benefits for spouses, you may be able to convert your spousal insurance coverage (FSGLI) into an individual plan with a private insurance provider within 120 days of the Veteran’s end of military services.
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 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 is a veteran who died while hospitalized?
A veteran who has died while hospitalized by the VA or while receiving care under VA contract is eligible. To or from a place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. The Veteran must have had an original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension at the time of death.
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 old do you have to be to be eligible for VA?
Unmarried children must meet one of the following requirements to qualify: Be under age 18 years of age. Be under age 23 and attending a VA-approved school. Be unable to care for themselves due to a disability that occurred before the age of 18.
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.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Only those who meet the criteria for (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) DIC, get tax-free payments.
Education and Training
Financial help in pursuing education or vocational training is available to survivors of service members. In some cases, the government will cover the cost of or pay a large part of tuition costs for college or other educational programs.
Home Loans
Surviving spouses are sometimes eligible to receive a VA-guaranteed home loan, which allows them to buy, build, or improve a home or refinance a mortgage.
Pension
A surviving spouse with a modest income who has not remarried, and unmarried dependent children can apply to receive tax-free VA Survivors Pension. This is a monthly payment that is paid out to survivors of veterans who served during wartime.
Burial benefits
Eligible veterans and their spouses and dependents have these burial benefits:
Life insurance
If a veteran has received a disability rating that is connected to their service, they may qualify for Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) life insurance policy, which has up to $10,000 coverage. If a veteran is totally disabled, they may have their premiums waived if they quality.
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 service connected disability?
A service-connected permanent and total disability is a disability resulting from your service that doesn’t go away. You may be eligible for VA education benefits (Chapter 35 benefits) if you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran and one of the descriptions listed below is true of the Veteran. One of these must be true.
What is the Fry Scholarship?
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is for children and spouses of: The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training to qualified dependents of Veterans who: Note: You may qualify for both the Fry Scholarship and the DEA program, but you can use only one of them.
How long does a spouse have to be on DEA?
Duration of benefits for spouses: 20 years from the service member’s date of death if they died on active duty, or 10 years from the date we determine they qualify or from the Veteran’s date of death (there may be exceptions). Fry Scholarship. Duration of benefits for spouses:
How long can a child receive the Fry Scholarship?
A child who becomes eligible on or after January 1, 2013, has no time limit to use benefits. DEA. Maximum months of benefits: 45 months if the first use of benefits was before August 1, 2018. 36 months if the first use of benefits was after August 1, 2018. Fry Scholarship.
What does "died in the line of duty" mean?
Died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, or. Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, or. Was detained (held) by force while in the line of duty by a foreign government or power, or.
Can you get Chapter 35 benefits if you are a dependent?
If you’re a dependent spouse or child—or the surviving spouse or child—of a Veteran, you may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits or job training through a GI Bill program.
Can a dependent get VA education benefits?
Died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability. If you’re a dependent who doesn’t meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for VA education benefits if the Veteran or service member transferred some or all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill ...
