{"type":"survivors_pension","title":"Survivors Pension (Death Pension)","short":"Needs-based monthly benefit for low-income surviving spouses + children of wartime veterans.","eligibility":["Veteran must have served during wartime (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, post-9/11)","Surviving spouse: low-income, no income/asset over MAPR limit","Surviving children: under 18 OR 18-23 in school OR any age if disabled before 18"],"distinct_from_dic":"DIC is for service-connected deaths (paid regardless of survivor income). Survivors Pension is needs-based and for non-service-connected wartime deaths.","form":"VA Form 21P-534EZ (same form, VA classifies based on circumstances)","next_step":"For low-income surviving spouses unsure if DIC vs Pension applies — file 21P-534EZ and let VA classify.","cached_seconds":86400}