Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
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.
Reinstatement of DIC Benefits
If your DIC benefit as a surviving spouse was terminated because you remarried, but the subsequent marriage has since ended due to death, divorce, or annulment, you may file to have your previous Survivor's benefit reinstated.
(Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Chapter 12)
To do so, you will be asked to complete VA form 21-4138 and submit it to your local VA Regional Office along with documentation supporting the claim that your subsequent marriage has ended (i.e., divorce decree or death certificate).
Death Pension
The death pension is a “needs based” program, designed to provide assistance to the survivors of wartime Veterans. The survivor must have income from all sources below the Maximum Allowable Pension Rate (MAPR) and have a “limited” estate. The Veteran must have an “other than dishonorable” discharge and at least 90 days active military service, at least one day of which was during a wartime period. Wartime Periods
Survivor Benefits Resources
Survivor Benefits
www.vba.va.gov/survivors/vabenefits.htm
Home Loan Guaranty
www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/Spouselgy.htm
Life Insurance Settlement
www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/default.htm
Counseling
www.vetcener.va.gov/Bereavement_Counseling.asp
Financial Counseling
www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/BFCS/BFCS.htm
