VA Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC): What Survivors Need to Know
35th Infantry company commander calls in helicopters - Task Force Oregon 1967
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible surviving family members of service members and Veterans. DIC exists to provide financial stability to families after the loss of a loved one whose death is connected to military service.
For many survivors, DIC is one of the most important VA benefits available and can serve as a critical source of long-term support.
What Is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation may be paid when a service member or Veteran:
Died while on active duty
Died as a result of a service-connected illness or injury
Was rated totally disabled due to service-connected conditions for a qualifying period prior to death
A Veteran’s death does not have to occur during military service for survivors to qualify. If the VA determines the death is service-connected or meets statutory requirements, DIC benefits may be awarded. All DIC payments are tax-free.
Who Is Eligible for DIC Benefits?
DIC benefits may be paid to the following survivors:
Surviving spouses
Unmarried children under age 18
Children ages 18–23 who are attending an approved school
Children of any age who became permanently disabled before age 18
Dependent parents, in limited circumstances
Eligibility depends both on the survivor’s relationship to the Veteran and on the circumstances surrounding the Veteran’s death.
4th Infantry Division soldier securing landing zone - Quang Ngai in 1967
Veteran Service Requirements
Survivors may qualify for DIC if the Veteran’s death was caused by a service-connected condition or occurred during active duty or qualifying training. DIC may also be payable if the Veteran was rated 100 percent disabled due to service-connected conditions:
For at least 10 years immediately before death
Continuously since separation from service and for at least 5 years before death
For at least 1 year before death if the Veteran was a former prisoner of war
How Much Does DIC Pay? (2026 VA Rates)
The current base DIC rate for an eligible surviving spouse is $1,699.36 per month, paid tax-free. This is the minimum monthly amount and may increase depending on the survivor’s circumstances.
Additional monthly benefits may be available for:
The 8-year provision, when the Veteran was totally disabled for at least eight years prior to death and married to the surviving spouse during that period
Aid and Attendance, for surviving spouses who require help with daily activities
Housebound benefits, for surviving spouses who are substantially confined to their home
Dependent child allowances, including a temporary increase during the first two years after the veteran’s death
Members of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment Operation Wahiawa
DIC Benefits for Children
If there is no surviving spouse, eligible children may receive DIC directly. Monthly payment amounts depend on the number of qualifying children:
One child: $717.50 per month
Two children: $1,032.18 per month (combined)
Three children: $1,346.92 per month (combined)
Higher payments may apply for additional children or for children who became permanently disabled before age 18.
Parent DIC Benefits
DIC for parents differs from DIC for spouses and children. Parent DIC is income- and net-worth-based and does not have a flat monthly rate. The VA reviews a parent’s financial situation to determine eligibility and payment amounts. Parents with higher income may receive reduced benefits or may not qualify at all.
Is DIC Income-Based?
DIC for surviving spouses is not income-based
DIC for children is not income-based
Parent DIC is income- and net-worth-based
Advocacy Matters
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is one of the most important survivor benefits available to families of service members and Veterans. It provides stable, tax-free income to eligible spouses, children, and in limited cases, dependent parents.
Many eligible survivors are unaware of DIC or are incorrectly told they do not qualify. Claims are often denied due to missing evidence, misunderstandings about service connection, or failure to apply the correct legal standards.
VA-accredited advocates play a critical role in helping survivors file accurate claims, submit supporting evidence, and appeal wrongful denials. Ensuring survivors receive DIC is not only about benefits—it is about honoring the Veteran’s service and protecting their family.
American Veteran Advocacy helps survivors with claims for DIC. AVA also helps Veterans with VA disability compensation claims and appeals, and specializes in special monthly compensation (SMC). If you are a Veteran or a survivor and need help with your claim or appeal, you can contact me here.
101st Airborne soldiers climbing in mountainous terrain - Operation Cook 1967