Losing a veteran is devastating, and navigating the benefits system during grief can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through every benefit available to surviving spouses, children, and dependents — from the immediate steps after death to long-term financial support. None of these benefits are automatic; you must apply for each one. Updated for 2026 rates and policies.
Important: Do not let anyone pressure you into making permanent decisions (like signing over benefits or hiring a claims agent) in the days immediately after a veteran's death. Free help is available through VA-accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the VFW, DAV, and American Legion. Never pay someone to file VA claims for you.
1. Immediate Actions After a Veteran's Death
The first hours and days after a veteran's death are critical for preserving benefit eligibility. Here is what to do and when.
Documents You Will Need (Gather These First)
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge): The single most important document. If you cannot find it, request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or use eVetRecs. A VSO can help expedite this.
- Death certificate: You will need 10-15 certified copies. The funeral home typically orders these from the county. Request more than you think you need.
- Marriage certificate: Required for surviving spouse claims (DIC, pension, CHAMPVA, home loan)
- Birth certificates: For dependent children claiming benefits
- VA award letters or rating decisions: If the veteran had a disability rating
- Social Security numbers: For the veteran and all claimants
- Bank account information: For direct deposit of benefits
- Life insurance policy numbers: SGLI, VGLI, private policies
First 24 Hours
First Week
First 30 Days
File DIC within 1 year of the veteran's death to receive benefits retroactive to the date of death. If you file after 1 year, benefits start from the date the VA receives your claim. Do not wait.
2. VA Burial Benefits
Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Veterans with an honorable or general discharge are eligible for burial in any of the 155 VA national cemeteries at no cost to the family. Benefits include:
- Gravesite: Free, in perpetuity
- Opening and closing of the grave: Free
- Government headstone or marker: Free (flat granite, flat bronze, upright granite, or upright marble)
- Grave liner: Free (in national cemeteries that use them)
- Burial flag: Free U.S. flag to drape the casket
- Presidential Memorial Certificate: Free, signed by the current President
- Perpetual care: The gravesite is maintained by the government forever
Spouses and dependent children can also be buried in a national cemetery (in the same gravesite as the veteran or in an adjacent site), even if they predecease the veteran. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to arrange burial.
VA Burial Allowance
If a veteran is not buried in a national cemetery, the VA provides a burial allowance to help offset costs. The amount depends on the cause of death:
| Circumstance | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death | $2,000+ (actual cost of burial and funeral, uncapped in many cases) | N/A (unlimited when service-connected) |
| Non-service-connected death (receiving VA pension/compensation) | $893 | $893 |
| Death while hospitalized at a VA facility | Up to $893 + transportation costs | $893 |
| Unclaimed remains of a veteran | $893 | $893 |
Apply using VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits). Attach a certified death certificate, DD-214, and receipted bills for funeral and burial expenses.
Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of eligible veterans buried anywhere in the world, including private cemeteries. Options include:
- Upright headstone: Marble or granite (for national or state veteran cemeteries)
- Flat marker: Bronze, granite, or marble (for any cemetery)
- Niche marker: For columbarium placement
- Bronze medallion: For veterans buried in private cemeteries who already have a privately purchased headstone. The medallion attaches to the existing stone.
Apply using VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker). For medallions, use VA Form 40-1330M.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved certificate signed by the current President, honoring the veteran's military service. It is provided at no cost to the family. Multiple copies can be requested for different family members. Apply through your funeral home, a VA regional office, or by mail using the veteran's DD-214 and death certificate.
Burial Flag
A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket (or accompany the urn) of a deceased veteran who served honorably. After the funeral, the flag is given to the next of kin. Flags are available at any VA regional office, most U.S. Post Offices, or through the funeral director. Complete VA Form 27-2008 to request a flag.
Who qualifies for a burial flag: Veterans who served during wartime or after January 31, 1955, were discharged honorably, or were members of the Selected Reserve. Certain former military members who served in peacetime may also qualify.
3. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected condition, or who were rated 100% Permanently and Totally (P&T) disabled at the time of death. This is typically the most valuable recurring benefit for surviving spouses.
2026 DIC Rates
| Beneficiary | Monthly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse (base rate) | ~$1,612.75/month ($19,353/year) |
| Additional per dependent child | ~$361.69/month per child |
| Aid & Attendance addition (if spouse needs help with daily activities) | ~$387.15/month additional |
| Housebound addition | ~$180.73/month additional |
| Transitional benefit (first 2 years with children) | ~$328/month additional |
Who Qualifies for DIC
Surviving Spouse: You may be eligible if:
- You were married to the veteran at the time of death
- You have not remarried (remarriage after age 57 does not disqualify you)
- The veteran died from a service-connected disability OR
- The veteran was rated 100% Permanently and Totally disabled for at least 10 continuous years before death (the “10-year rule” — sometimes cited as the “8-year rule” under older guidance, but current law requires 10 years or 5 years if the rating was from the date of discharge)
Surviving Children: Unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school) may receive DIC if there is no eligible surviving spouse.
Surviving Parents: Low-income parents of veterans who died from a service-connected cause may receive Parents' DIC (income-dependent, separate from spouse DIC).
If a veteran was rated 100% P&T for at least 10 continuous years before death (or at least 5 years from the date of military discharge), the surviving spouse qualifies for DIC even if the veteran's death was not directly caused by a service-connected condition. This is a commonly missed benefit. If the veteran died of a heart attack but had been 100% P&T for 10+ years, the spouse still qualifies.
How to Apply for DIC
- Complete VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits)
- Attach: death certificate, DD-214, marriage certificate, and any VA rating decisions
- Submit online at va.gov, by mail to your regional VA office, or through a VSO
- Processing time: typically 3-6 months (faster with VSO assistance)
Accrued benefits: When filing for DIC, also claim any accrued benefits — these are VA disability payments the veteran was owed but had not yet received at the time of death. This can be a lump sum of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
4. Survivors Pension (Death Pension)
The Survivors Pension (also called Death Pension) is an income-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans. Unlike DIC, the veteran's death does not need to be service-connected.
Eligibility
- The deceased veteran served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least 1 day during a wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War/Post-9/11)
- The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- The surviving spouse has not remarried
- The survivor's countable income is below the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)
- The survivor's net worth (assets minus debts) is below the VA limit ($155,356 in 2026)
2026 Survivors Pension Rates (MAPR)
| Situation | Maximum Annual Rate | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse alone | ~$10,623 | ~$885 |
| Surviving spouse with one dependent child | ~$13,908 | ~$1,159 |
| Surviving spouse needing Aid & Attendance | ~$16,964 | ~$1,414 |
| Surviving spouse — Housebound | ~$12,990 | ~$1,083 |
| Surviving child alone | ~$2,523 | ~$210 |
The pension rate is reduced by countable income (wages, Social Security, investment income). Medical expenses can be deducted from countable income, which often helps survivors qualify.
If the surviving spouse needs help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating) or is bedridden, the Aid & Attendance addition significantly increases the pension. Many elderly surviving spouses in assisted living facilities qualify for this enhanced rate. Apply using VA Form 21-534EZ and include medical evidence of the need for aid.
DIC vs. Survivors Pension: You cannot receive both DIC and Survivors Pension simultaneously. DIC pays more in most cases. If you qualify for both, the VA will pay whichever is higher. However, you should apply for both on VA Form 21-534EZ and let the VA determine the best benefit.
5. CHAMPVA for Survivors
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides healthcare coverage for surviving spouses and children of veterans who are not eligible for TRICARE.
Who Qualifies
- Surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability
- Surviving spouse or child of a veteran who was rated 100% P&T at the time of death
- You must not be eligible for TRICARE (if you are TRICARE-eligible, you use TRICARE instead)
- If you are 65 or older, you must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. CHAMPVA then acts as secondary coverage.
What CHAMPVA Covers
- Doctor visits, hospital care, and surgery
- Prescription medications (through the CHAMPVA Meds by Mail program)
- Mental health services
- Durable medical equipment
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Ambulance services
- Hospice care
Cost
- No monthly premium
- Annual deductible: $50 per individual / $100 per family
- Cost share: You pay 25% of the allowable amount after the deductible; CHAMPVA pays 75%
- Catastrophic cap: $3,000 per calendar year (after reaching this, CHAMPVA pays 100%)
Apply using VA Form 10-10d (Application for CHAMPVA Benefits). Include a copy of the veteran's death certificate, DD-214, and your marriage certificate (or child's birth certificate). Mail to: VHA Office of Community Care, CHAMPVA, PO Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246-9028. You can also call 1-800-733-8387 for assistance.
CHAMPVA + Medicare: If you are 65+, enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. CHAMPVA becomes your secondary payer and covers most of what Medicare does not — making your out-of-pocket costs extremely low. This combination is one of the best healthcare packages available to surviving spouses.
6. Education Benefits for Survivors
Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) — Chapter 35
DEA provides up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition or who were rated 100% P&T disabled.
- Monthly stipend: Approximately $1,390/month (full-time) for degree programs at colleges and universities
- Eligible programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and correspondence courses
- Who qualifies: Surviving spouses (must use within 10-20 years of the veteran's death, depending on the date of eligibility), children aged 18-26 (extensions possible)
- No tuition payment to the school: DEA pays a monthly allowance directly to the student, not tuition to the school. The student uses this to pay for tuition and living expenses.
Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer)
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- Covers: Full tuition and fees (paid directly to the school), monthly housing allowance (E-5 with dependents BAH rate), and annual book stipend (~$1,000/year)
- Duration: Up to 36 months
- Surviving spouse deadline: Must use within 15 years of the service member's death (remarriage after age 57 does not disqualify)
- Children: Must use between ages 18 and 33
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Fry Scholarship recipients are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program at participating schools, which can cover tuition amounts that exceed the maximum GI Bill benefit (useful at private universities)
DEA vs. Fry Scholarship: If you qualify for both, you must choose one — you cannot receive both simultaneously. The Fry Scholarship is generally more valuable because it pays tuition directly to the school plus a housing allowance, whereas DEA only pays a flat monthly stipend. Carefully compare based on your school's tuition cost.
7. Home Loan Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.
Who Qualifies
- Un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability
- Un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died while on active duty or from a service-connected condition
- Surviving spouse who remarried after age 57 and after December 16, 2003 (this change restored eligibility)
- Spouse of a service member who is MIA or a POW for 90+ days
Loan Features
- No down payment required (up to the conforming loan limit in your county)
- No PMI (private mortgage insurance), saving $100-$300+/month
- Competitive interest rates — typically lower than conventional loans
- VA funding fee: Surviving spouses receiving DIC are exempt from the VA funding fee (a savings of $4,000-$15,000+ on a typical home purchase)
- IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan): If you already have a VA loan, you can refinance to a lower rate with minimal paperwork
If you are receiving DIC, you pay zero VA funding fee. On a $350,000 home, this saves approximately $8,050 in closing costs (2.3% for first-time use). This is one of the most overlooked financial advantages for DIC-eligible surviving spouses.
8. Life Insurance Benefits
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
If the veteran died while on active duty or within 120 days of separation, SGLI may provide up to $500,000 in life insurance. Contact the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) at 1-800-419-1473.
- Beneficiaries designated by the service member receive the payout
- If no beneficiary was designated: spouse, then children, then parents, then estate
- Claims are typically paid within 5-10 business days after receiving all required documentation
- SGLI proceeds are tax-free
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
If the veteran converted SGLI to VGLI after separation, the same claim process applies. Coverage amounts range from $10,000 to $500,000 (depending on what the veteran elected). Contact OSGLI at 1-800-419-1473.
Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
TSGLI provides a lump-sum payment of $25,000 to $100,000 for service members who suffered a qualifying traumatic injury. If the veteran filed a TSGLI claim before death that was not yet resolved, the surviving spouse may be able to receive the payment.
Family SGLI (FSGLI)
FSGLI provides up to $100,000 in life insurance coverage for military spouses. If the military spouse died while the service member was still on active duty, the service member would receive this benefit. This is separate from the veteran death benefits discussed in this guide.
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
If the veteran had S-DVI coverage (available to veterans with a service-connected disability), the death benefit is up to $10,000 in basic coverage plus up to $30,000 in supplemental coverage. Contact VA Insurance at 1-800-669-8477.
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
VMLI provides up to $200,000 in mortgage life insurance for severely disabled veterans who received a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. Upon the veteran's death, VMLI pays off the remaining mortgage balance (up to the coverage amount). The payment goes directly to the mortgage lender.
9. Social Security Survivor Benefits
Lump-Sum Death Payment
Social Security provides a one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse (if living in the same household) or to eligible children. This must be applied for within 2 years of death. Call 1-800-772-1213.
Monthly Survivor Benefits
If the veteran worked long enough to earn Social Security credits (typically 10 years / 40 credits, but fewer credits are needed for younger workers), survivors may receive monthly benefits:
- Surviving spouse age 60+: 71.5% to 100% of the veteran's benefit (depending on the spouse's age at time of claim)
- Surviving spouse at full retirement age (67): 100% of the veteran's benefit
- Surviving spouse age 50-59 (if disabled): 71.5% of the veteran's benefit
- Surviving spouse at any age caring for a child under 16: 75% of the veteran's benefit
- Children under 18 (or 19 if in high school): 75% of the veteran's benefit
- Family maximum: 150-180% of the veteran's full benefit amount
Military Service Credits
Veterans who served between 1957 and 2001 may have received special military service wage credits that increase their Social Security benefit calculation. From 1957-1977, $300 in extra credits per quarter were added. From 1978-2001, $100 per month in additional credits. These should already be reflected in the veteran's Social Security record, but verify at ssa.gov.
If you qualify for both your own Social Security retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, you may be able to claim one first and switch to the other later to maximize lifetime payments. For example, claim survivor benefits at 60 and then switch to your own retirement at 67 or 70. Consult with SSA or a financial advisor to optimize this strategy.
10. TRICARE for Survivors
Eligibility After a Veteran's Death
TRICARE eligibility for survivors depends on the veteran's status at the time of death:
- Active duty death: Surviving spouse and children retain TRICARE coverage. Surviving spouse gets 3 years of active-duty-family-level TRICARE, then transitions to TRICARE Select or TRICARE for Life (if Medicare-eligible).
- Retiree death: Surviving spouse and children who were already TRICARE-eligible continue their coverage (TRICARE Select, TRICARE Prime, or TRICARE for Life for those 65+).
- Transitional Survivor Coverage: Surviving family members of active duty service members receive 180 days of transitional TRICARE at no cost, followed by ongoing TRICARE eligibility.
TRICARE vs. CHAMPVA
If you are TRICARE-eligible, you use TRICARE (not CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA is for surviving spouses and children who are not eligible for TRICARE. Generally, spouses of career retirees (20+ years) have TRICARE, while spouses of veterans who separated before retirement have CHAMPVA (if the veteran's death was service-connected or the veteran was 100% P&T).
TRICARE Dental
The TRICARE Dental Program (through United Concordia) is available to surviving dependents of active duty members and retirees. Monthly premiums vary by plan and region.
TRICARE for Life (age 65+): If you are a surviving spouse age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, TRICARE for Life automatically becomes your secondary coverage. You pay almost nothing out of pocket for most healthcare. This is one of the best healthcare deals in the country.
11. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
What SBP Pays
The Survivor Benefit Plan provides an annuity to surviving spouses of military retirees. The standard annuity is 55% of the retiree's selected base amount (which can be up to the full retired pay). For example, if a veteran retired with $3,000/month in retired pay and elected full SBP coverage, the surviving spouse receives $1,650/month.
SBP + DIC Offset Rules
Historically, DIC offset SBP dollar-for-dollar, meaning survivors who received both had their SBP reduced by their DIC amount. Effective January 1, 2023, this offset was eliminated. Surviving spouses now receive their full SBP annuity plus their full DIC payment with no reduction.
Full concurrent receipt: Since January 2023, you receive both SBP and DIC in full. For a surviving spouse with full SBP ($1,650/month) and DIC ($1,612.75/month), that is $3,262.75/month combined — tax-free. This was a major victory for military survivors.
How to File for SBP Annuity
- Notify DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 of the retiree's death
- DFAS will send you a claim packet or you can download DD Form 2656-7 (Verification for Survivor Annuity)
- Submit with: death certificate, marriage certificate, and direct deposit information
- SBP payments are retroactive to the first day of the month after the retiree's death
12. Gold Star Family Benefits
Gold Star families are the immediate relatives of service members who died while serving on active duty, during a period of inactive duty training, or from a service-connected condition. The Gold Star designation provides access to additional benefits and privileges.
Gold Star Lapel Pin
The Gold Star Lapel Pin is presented to surviving family members of service members who lost their lives. The Next of Kin (NOK) lapel pin is for the primary next of kin; the Gold Star lapel pin is for other eligible family members. Contact the service member's branch casualty office to request.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
- Unrestricted commissary access: Surviving spouses and dependents of service members who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition have full commissary shopping privileges
- Military exchange (PX/BX/NEX) access: Full exchange shopping privileges, including online shopping at shopmyexchange.com
- A valid Dependent ID card (DD Form 1173) is required for access
MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Access
Gold Star families retain access to military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities including gyms, pools, recreational centers, and on-base entertainment venues.
Space-A Travel
Un-remarried surviving spouses and dependent children of members who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition are eligible for Space-Available (Space-A) military air travel. This allows free flights on military aircraft when seats are available, both within the U.S. (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).
To access these benefits, you need a valid military dependent ID card. Visit your nearest ID card office (RAPIDS site) with your DD-1172-2 (Application for DoD ID Card), death certificate, marriage certificate, and DD-214. Find the nearest ID card office at idco.dmdc.osd.mil.
13. State-Specific Survivor Benefits
In addition to federal benefits, most states offer additional survivor benefits for veteran families. Common state-level survivor benefits include:
- Property tax exemptions: Many states continue the veteran's property tax exemption for surviving spouses (especially for 100% disabled veterans)
- Free or reduced tuition: Numerous states offer free tuition at state universities for children and spouses of deceased veterans
- State veteran cemeteries: Free burial at state veteran cemeteries (in addition to federal national cemeteries)
- Vehicle registration discounts: Reduced or free vehicle registration for surviving spouses of disabled veterans
- State life insurance and death benefits: Some states provide additional death gratuity payments
- Hunting and fishing license waivers: Free or reduced licenses for surviving spouses in many states
Visit your state's page for specific survivor benefits:
View All 50 States →
Every state has unique veteran survivor benefits. Check your state for property tax continuation, education benefits, and more.
Texas Benefits →
Surviving spouses of 100% P&T veterans keep the full property tax exemption. Hazlewood Legacy Act provides free tuition for children.
California Benefits →
College fee waiver for dependents of deceased veterans. State veteran cemetery benefits at no cost.
14. Key Forms, Contacts & Resources
Essential Forms
| Form | Purpose | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| VA Form 21-534EZ | DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits | va.gov |
| VA Form 21P-530EZ | Burial Allowance | va.gov |
| VA Form 40-1330 | Headstone or Marker | va.gov |
| VA Form 40-1330M | Bronze Medallion for private headstone | va.gov |
| VA Form 27-2008 | Burial Flag | VA regional office or funeral home |
| VA Form 10-10d | CHAMPVA enrollment | va.gov |
| VA Form 22-5490 | DEA (Chapter 35) education benefits | va.gov |
| DD Form 2656-7 | SBP Survivor Annuity claim | DFAS (sent after reporting death) |
| SF 180 | Request DD-214 (if missing) | archives.gov |
Key Phone Numbers
1-800-827-1000
General VA benefits questions, DIC, pension, burial benefits. Monday-Friday 8am-9pm ET.
1-800-535-1117
Schedule burial at a VA national cemetery. Available 24/7.
1-800-321-1080
Report retiree death, Survivor Benefit Plan claims, retired pay issues.
1-800-772-1213
Survivor benefits, lump-sum death payment, Medicare enrollment.
1-800-419-1473
Life insurance claims for SGLI and VGLI policies.
1-800-733-8387
Healthcare enrollment and claims for surviving spouses/dependents.
1-888-442-4551
DEA (Chapter 35), Fry Scholarship, GI Bill transfer questions.
Dial 988, then press 1
24/7 crisis support for veterans and family members. Text: 838255
Free Help Filing Claims
The VFW, DAV, American Legion, AMVETS, and Disabled American Veterans all provide free claims assistance. They have trained, VA-accredited representatives who can file every claim on this page for you.
Never pay someone to file VA claims.
Every county in the United States has a Veterans Service Officer who provides free benefits counseling and claims assistance. Find yours through your county government website or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
100% FreeBeware of claims sharks: Never pay an attorney, consultant, or claims agent upfront fees to file VA survivor claims. VA-accredited VSOs do this work for free. If someone asks for money before filing your claim, they are likely not legitimate.
View State-Specific Survivor Benefits
Every state has additional benefits for veteran survivors — property tax continuation, free tuition, burial benefits, and more.
View All 50 StatesRelated Guides
Explore our other VA benefits guides for comprehensive information on disability ratings, healthcare, home loans, and survivor planning.