Losing a partner who served in the military is a difficult change.
It’s not just about the loss of the loved one themselves, but also adapting to dealing with life’s challenges independently.
The VA tried to recognize this for spouses by creating Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), to help acknowledge your spouse’s service and your loss.
We’ve created a helpful guide to walk you through everything you know, including:
- Am I Eligible? We’ll cover who’s eligible, so you can ensure you get support.
- How Do I Apply? We’ll guide you through making the process simpler.
- How Do I Maximize My Benefits? Get the full range of support, including additional allowances you may be entitled to.
- Your Questions Answered We’ll cover the most common questions from spouses
Let’s get started and talk about everything you know to get the benefits you need.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified
Figuring out if you are able to receive DIC benefits can be a puzzle, but it’s simple when you break it down.
Here’s the basics you need to know:
- Married to a Service Member? If your partner served in the military and you were married, you’re on the right track. The VA looks at marriages to make sure they were legal and recognized.
- When Did You Marry? If you tied the knot before your spouse left the service, or you were married for at least a year, you meet the VA’s requirements for this.
- What about Remarriage? If you remarried after your spouse passed away, this is where the rules get tricky. Generally, if you remarried after turning 55, you might still qualify.
- Living Together: Living with your spouse until they passed away is another key thing to consider. If you were separated, it should not have been due to your actions, in order to be eligible for DIC benefits.
Understanding these basics will hopefully clear up most of the confusion about eligibility.
Next, we’ll talk about how to apply, making sure you have all you need to move forward.
Navigating the DIC Application Process for Widows of Deceased Veterans
Applying for DIC benefits may seem a little daunting, but we’ll guide you through the basic steps to try to make it as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
First things first, you’ll need a few important documents:
- Your spouse’s DD214 or other military discharge papers. This shows their service history and status.
- Death certificate: To prove the loss of your spouse.
- Marriage certificate: To confirm your marriage to the service member.
- Any relevant medical records: especially if the death was service-connected.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
The form you’ll be using for DIC benefits is VA Form 21P-534EZ, found here.
Fill it out with everything it asks for–take your time and be thorough!
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You’ve got a few options for submitting your application:
- Online: Upload your completed form and documents through the VA’s website.
- Mail: Send everything to the VA’s claims intake center. The address is on the form.
- In-Person: Visit a local VA office if you prefer to hand in your documents face-to-face.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
After you submit your application, there will be a waiting period where the VA will review your application.
This can take time, so patience is key.
You can check the status of your application online or by calling the VA.
Need Additional Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, it’s totally understandable.
A VA-accredited representative or a veteran service organization (VSOs) can help you fill out the form and gather documents, often at no cost to you.
If you have filed for benefits and believe you were wrongfully denied, sometimes having a VA-accredited law firm on your side can be beneficial.
Contact Hill & Ponton for information about how we can help you in your fight to secure the benefits you deserve. CTA here for Case Evaluation.
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Maximizing Your DIC Benefits for Spouses
It’s important you understand the full range of DIC benefits available to you, to ensure you are getting the support you deserve.
Here’s a few tips about how to maximize your benefits:
Check for Additional Allowances
Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for additional payments on top of the basic DIC benefit, including:
- Aid & Attendance (A&A): If you need help with daily activities or are housebound, look into A&A benefits.
- Dependent Children: If you have children under 18, you could receive additional payments for them.
Stay Informed About Rate Changes
DIC rates usually change year-to-year because of annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
Keep an eye out on the VA website or on our site for updates to stay informed about any changes that might impact your benefits.
Update Your Information
Your life changes, so when it does, it’s important to update the VA.
Whether it’s a new address, a change in marital status or adding a child to your benefits, keeping the VA informed ensures your benefits reflect your current situation.
Explore Educational Benefits
As a surviving spouse, you may also be entitled to educational benefits, like the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program or the Fry Scholarship, to help cover costs for tuition, books, housing and other expenses, if you’re wanting to further your education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from Widows
We’ve collected some of the most common questions from surviving spouses receiving DIC benefits.
Can I Receive DIC Benefits if I Remarry?
Yes, but with conditions. If you remarry after age 55, you can still receive DIC benefits. Remarriage before age 55 may affect your eligibility.
How Does My Age Affect My Eligibility for DIC Benefits?
Your age mainly impacts eligibility in the context of remarriage. Aside from that, age doesn’t impact your eligibility for DIC benefits directly.
What Happens to My DIC Benefits If I Move Abroad?
Moving abroad doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving DIC benefits.
However, it’s important to update your address with the VA and ensure compliance with any specific requirements for international beneficiaries.
Are There Educational Benefits Available to Me as a Surviving Spouse?
Yes, you may be eligible for educational benefits under programs like the Fry Scholarship and the Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).
These can help with costs associated with school or training programs.
Do I Need to Report Changes in My Financial Situation?
For DIC benefits, your financial situation doesn’t generally impact your eligibility or benefit amount, unlike some other VA benefits.
Therefore, you don’t need to report income changes for DIC.
What Should I Do If My Application for DIC Benefits Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Consider seeking assistance from a VA-accredited representative or a veterans’ service organization to guide you through the appeals process.
At Hill & Ponton, we’ve helped many veterans and their families with denied benefits, so consider contacting us for assistance.
How Can I Ensure I’m Receiving the Maximum Benefit Amount?
Stay informed about annual rate adjustments and explore additional allowances you may be eligible for, like Aid & Attendance or benefits for dependent children.
Regularly review your eligibility for other VA benefits as well.
Content Review
Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.