At Tabak Law, we understand that every case involves a real person who is facing a difficult situation. The loss of a loved one to the families of military service members is an immense sacrifice. In the midst of grief, navigating the complex benefits landscape can be overwhelming. Our goal is to guide our clients through this difficult time and ensure that the families of those who have served receive the financial support they deserve.
This guide provides an overview of important survivor and dependent benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is intended to be a helpful starting point for families seeking stability and security.
Understanding Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly tax-free benefit that is paid to eligible families of service members who have died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related injury or illness. This benefit is an essential source of support for the surviving spouses, children, and parents of those who have served our country.
You may be eligible for DIC benefits if a servicemember dies while on active duty, during active training, or in inactive training. The spouse of a veteran may also be eligible if they died from a service-related condition or were totally disabled due to a condition connected to their service prior to their death.
Survivors Pension: A Needs-Based Benefit
For veterans of the armed forces who are struggling to make ends meet, the VA Survivors’ Pension provides another form of financial assistance. This need-based benefit is available to surviving spouses and unmarried children of veterans who meet specific income and asset requirements set by Congress.
The Veteran must have served in active military service for at least 90 days, with at least one day during a recognized period of wartime, and must have been discharged under circumstances other than dishonorably. The pension amount is determined by subtracting the Veteran’s countable income from the set annual pension limit established by the VA.
Additional Benefits for Survivors and Dependents
In addition to monthly financial assistance, eligible survivors and their dependents may be eligible for a range of other benefits designed to help with education, healthcare, and housing.
Education and Training
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits. These benefits can be used for degree, certificate, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training programs. Eligibility includes spouses and children of veterans permanently and totally disabled due to service-related conditions or who died while serving in active duty or as a result of service-connected conditions.
Healthcare through CHAMPVA
The Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs is a healthcare program that provides coverage for eligible beneficiaries, including spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or have died from service-related conditions.
Home Loans and Burial Benefits
Surviving spouses and certain dependents of veterans may be eligible for VA-backed home loans and reimbursement for funeral expenses. It is important to explore all available benefits to ensure the financial security of your family’s future.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
The process of applying for military survivor benefits can be complex, inconsistent, and overwhelming. Forms are often difficult to understand and deadlines are strict, even for families who seem to clearly qualify. Denials are common, despite this.
At Tabak Law, we do not just file paperwork. We build strong cases. We gather evidence, work closely with Veterans Affairs and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and relentlessly advocate for families who have given so much to our country.
We understand that behind each claim is a family trying to preserve their home, a child struggling to pay for college, or a parent grieving the loss of a son or daughter who has never returned home.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you have lost a loved one who served in the military, you deserve support, not red tape. At Tabak Law, we offer free and confidential consultations to help military survivors. Our team will review your case and identify every benefit to which you are entitled, and we will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.