The sacrifices of military service extend to families. The VA provides several benefits to surviving spouses and dependents of service members who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. These benefits exist to honor the service member's commitment and support the families they left behind.
If you are a surviving spouse, this guide covers the key benefits you may be eligible for and how to access them.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. As of 2024, the basic monthly DIC rate for a surviving spouse is approximately $1,612.75.
Who Is Eligible for DIC?
Additional amounts may be available for each dependent child, for housebound or aid-and-attendance needs, and for children attending school. The total DIC payment can be significantly higher than the base rate depending on your family's circumstances.
Survivors Pension
The Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime veterans who meet certain service and income requirements. Unlike DIC, this benefit is income-based.
Eligibility Requirements
Important Note
A surviving spouse cannot receive both DIC and the Survivors Pension simultaneously. If you qualify for both, the VA will pay whichever benefit is higher. You may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits in addition to the Survivors Pension.
VA Home Loan Eligibility for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability may be eligible for the VA home loan benefit — one of the most valuable housing benefits available. This includes:
- Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability qualify for VA home loan benefits.
- The surviving spouse must not have remarried OR must have remarried after age 57 or after December 16, 2003.
- The death must be certifiable as service-connected by the VA.
- Surviving spouses can use the VA loan benefit to purchase a home, refinance an existing VA loan, or access an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL).
- There is no time limit to use the VA home loan benefit as a surviving spouse.
To apply for VA home loan eligibility as a surviving spouse, you'll need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. You can apply through the VA's eBenefits portal, or your lender can assist with the process.
Key Resources
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
File a DIC claim online through VA.gov.
Visit ResourceVA Pension Benefits for Survivors
Information about the Survivors Pension benefit.
Visit ResourceVA Home Loan for Surviving Spouses
Check eligibility for VA home loan benefits as a surviving spouse.
Visit ResourceVA Burial Benefits
Burial allowances, headstones, markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates.
Visit ResourceSurvivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
Education and training benefits for eligible dependents of veterans.
Visit ResourceVA Survivor Benefits Claims
File and manage DIC and other survivor benefit claims.
Visit ResourceDIC Monthly Benefit Amounts
DIC provides a monthly tax-free payment to eligible surviving spouses and dependents. The benefit amounts are set by Congress and updated annually. As of 2024, the rates are:
| Beneficiary Type | Monthly Rate (2024) |
|---|---|
| Surviving Spouse (base rate) | $1,612.75 |
| Each additional dependent child | +$395.01 |
| Aid & Attendance addition | +$383.32 |
| Housebound addition | +$191.65 |
| Each surviving parent (if applicable) | +$403.19 |
* Rates shown are approximate and based on 2024 figures. Check VA.gov for the most current rate schedule. Rates are adjusted annually for cost of living.
How DIC Relates to Home Loan Eligibility
Receiving DIC does not automatically qualify you for a VA home loan, but surviving spouses who qualify for DIC based on the veteran's service-connected death may also qualify for VA home loan benefits. This is a powerful combination — DIC provides monthly income while the VA loan provides access to zero-down-payment homeownership.
A surviving spouse eligible for both DIC and a VA home loan can use the VA loan to purchase a home in Southern California with no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no PMI. Combined with the California disabled veterans property tax exemption (if applicable), this can make homeownership remarkably affordable.
To apply, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Your lender can help obtain this, or you can apply through VA.gov. There is no time limit to use the VA home loan benefit as a surviving spouse.
A Personal Note
Navigating benefits after the loss of a service member is one of the most difficult things a family can face. You don't have to do it alone. The VA, VSO organizations, and veterans like Sam are here to help you access every benefit you've earned through your loved one's service.
Related Resources
Need Help with Survivor Benefits?
Sam can help connect you with the right VA resources and organizations that support surviving military families.