There is an overwhelming grief that comes with losing a loved one who served in the military. The VA provides assistance to the immediate family members of veterans who met a tragic end during their service or due to a service-related condition through a benefit known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible family members.
This guide will assist you in comprehending the rates for dependency and indemnity compensation, determining your eligibility, navigating the application process, and addressing potential denials of your claim. If you need help with your application, you can learn about VA claims assistance here.
What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
The Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) refers to VA benefits for spouses, children, and occasionally parents. The VA offers a tax-free monthly benefit to the surviving family members of a veteran.
This program allows the VA to partially provide the financial support a veteran can provide to their family, ensuring their financial security even after their passing.
Who Qualifies for DIC?
Eligibility for DIC typically includes:
- Surviving spouses who were married to the veteran either prior to their death or within a year of their demise, if they were married after their service.
- Note that the surviving spouse must not be at fault in a divorce with a child to qualify for this benefit, nor must they remarry. (More details about the surviving spouse’s eligibility with this blog post
- Children under the age of 18, or under 23 if they are enrolled in school full-time, are eligible.
- For those who were adopted by the veteran, or the service member’s spouse and you met the criteria then you are eligible for the compensation.
- The surviving parents should satisfy the following requirements:
- You are the veteran’s biological, or foster parent.
- Your income should be below a certain amount. See the DIC Rates for Parents.
DIC Benefit Types
The VA should recognize the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation DIC benefits as service-related or linked to a disability within the VA diagnostic code system.
Primary DIC Benefits
Primary DIC benefits are monthly compensation made to qualified and eligible surviving family of the veteran
Rates for primary DIC benefits can vary based on factors such as dependents, level of disability, and the survivor’s specific situation.
Supplementary DIC Benefits
Qualifying dependents may receive supplemental DIC benefits if they require additional support. These could include:
- The payments for survivors who have dependents, like children under 18, have been enhanced.
- Additional allowances for specific health needs.
- Educational benefits are provided to cover the expenses of schooling or training.
How to Compute Your DIC Rate
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation rates may vary based on several factors.
For surviving spouse:
Monthly DIC payments would usually start at $1,612.75. You may also make additional payments if you fit any of the following categories:
- You have a child under 18
- A second child under 18
- 8-year provision- Your spouse, a veteran, had a total disability rating from the VA for at least 8 years, which ultimately resulted in their demise.
- Aid and Assistance- You have a disability that will require you to seek the help of a nurse or caregiver for your daily activities.
- Housebound allowance: Your disability hinders you from leaving your house.
For surviving children:
For children between 18 and 23 qualified for a school program, monthly payments as of today are $338.49.
If you are what the VA considers a helpless child—an adult child that is unable to support themselves due to some disability—monthly payments as of today are $680.94.
Applying for DIC
Applying for the VA dependency and indemnity compensation rates involves several steps and requires specific documentation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Obtain supporting documents.
Gather evidence that includes:
- The veteran’s service records;
- Medical reports pertaining to their cause of death
- Any records that link their condition to their military service.
- Birth or marriage certificates to establish a relationship with the veteran.
- Application Process
- Begin by completing VA Form 21-534EZ, which is specifically for DIC applications.
- You can submit it online through the VA’s eBenefits portal or by mail to your nearest VA office.
- Other Conditions and Obligations
- Eligibility for DIC may change based on life events, like remarriage. It’s crucial to keep the VA updated on any changes in your status to avoid interruptions in payments.
What Should You Do If Your DIC Claim Is Denied
Even if you receive a denial notice for your initial claim, there is still a chance. Here is what you can do.
- Understand the Reason for Denial – Missing documents or insufficient evidence that the veteran’s death is service-related frequently lead to claim denials. The VA will provide an explanation for the denial of your claim, offering you an opportunity to reclaim the benefit.
- Submit and Provide Additional Evidence – If the lack of evidence led to the denial of your application, you can gather more supporting documents. Secure medical records and expert and buddy statements that will confirm the link between the veteran’s cause of death and their military service.
- Request a Supplemental Claim – A VA supplemental claim is a way for veterans to dispute the VA’s decision without undergoing an entirely new process and will give the VA the chance to reconsider your case depending on the updated and existing information.
Secure the VA Benefits You Deserve: Ask J4V
Applying for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation can feel daunting, but the support it offers makes a significant difference. This benefit honors the sacrifices made by veterans and their families by providing financial security.
For veterans’ survivors seeking assistance or further information on VA claims, Just4Veterans is a dedicated veteran coach who aims to assist all veterans in processing their claims and supporting them in their journey to obtain the correct rating and disability benefits. You may book a free strategy call to directly reach our veteran coaches. You may also visit our VA claims assistance page to learn more about us.