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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

What is DIC?

DIC is a monthly check paid to eligible survivors of certain deceased veterans.

Who is Eligible?

To get DIC, you must be an eligible survivor of a veteran who died because of a service related illness or injury.

If the veteran's death was NOT service-related, you may still be eligible if EITHER of the following conditions existed at the time of death:

  • the veteran was getting VA Disability Compensation for a total disability for the last 10 years. (Note: This also includes veterans who would have received VA compensation but didn't because they were getting military retirement or disability pay.)
  • the veteran was getting VA Disability Compensation for a total disability continuously since released from active duty or for a least 5 years.

You may be an eligible survivor if:

  • you were married to the veteran for at least 1 year (Note: If a child was born, there is no time requirement) AND
  • your marriage was valid AND
  • you lived with the veteran continually until his/her death or, if you were separated, you weren't at fault AND
  • you did not remarry. (Note: If you remarried and your new spouse died, you may be eligible.)

OR

  • you are an unmarried child of a deceased veteran AND
  • you are under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.
  • Note: Certain helpless adult children and some parents of deceased veterans are entitled to DIC.  Call for the eligibility requirements for these survivors.

How Much Does VA Pay?

VA pays a rate of $1,195 to eligible surviving spouses. In some Cases, VA can pay more. Call
for the eligibility requirements for these survivors.

How Can I Apply?

Assistance is available by contacting our V.F.W. Service Office at Fort Snelling or through your County Veterans Service Office.

Electronic applications can be made at www.va.gov and click on e-benefits… a Caution here is that by applying on-line you have no representation in your claim, which is not recommended.

Call for information about other supporting materials that VA may need to process your claim.

 

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