How to file VA survivor benefit claims (DIC, Survivors Pension, Burial)
Step-by-step guide for surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents to file VA survivor benefit claims. 5 steps using VA Form 21P-534EZ (DIC) + VA Form 21P-530EZ (burial). Covers DIC, Survivors Pension, DEA Chapter 35, CHAMPVA, accrued benefits.
What you'll need
- VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and Accrued Benefits)
- VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits)
- Veteran's death certificate (certified copy)
- Veteran's DD-214
- Marriage certificate (spouse) / birth certificates (children)
- Free CVSO/VFW/Legion/DAV representative
Step-by-step
Step 1: Determine which benefits you may qualify for
DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation): tax-free monthly payment if veteran died from service-connected condition OR was rated 100% (or TDIU) for 10+ years before non-service-connected death. Base 2025 rate: $1,653.07/mo for surviving spouse. Survivors Pension: needs-based monthly payment for low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans. DEA Chapter 35: education benefits for surviving spouses + children. CHAMPVA: healthcare for surviving spouses + children of deceased service-connected disabled veterans. See /api/v1/eligibility.json#dic-survivors.
Step 2: Gather required documentation
Required: certified veteran's death certificate, veteran's DD-214 (long-form), your marriage certificate (if filing as spouse), children's birth certificates (if filing for children), proof of school enrollment (if claiming for child 18-23). Helpful: veteran's VA disability rating decisions, last Form 990 / financial disclosures, prior VA claim file.
Step 3: Get free help from a CVSO or accredited representative
Survivor claims have higher complexity and stricter deadlines than standard disability claims. CVSOs / VFW / American Legion / DAV reps file survivor claims daily and have higher grant rates than self-filed claims. Free. Find your nearest at warriorsfund.org/find-cvso. They will help organize evidence and file all applicable forms.
Step 4: File VA Form 21P-534EZ (DIC + survivors pension + accrued benefits)
File online at va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/. This SINGLE form claims DIC, Survivors Pension, and Accrued Benefits simultaneously — VA will determine which you qualify for based on the application. File within 1 year of veteran's death to receive retroactive benefits to the date of death.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
Step 5: Also file burial benefits + DEA + CHAMPVA as applicable
Burial benefits: file VA Form 21P-530EZ within 2 years of death (see /api/v1/howto/get-burial-benefits.json). DEA Chapter 35 education: file VA Form 22-5490 once survivor decides to use education benefit. CHAMPVA healthcare: file VA Form 10-10D at chvalink@va.gov or by mail to VHA Chief Business Office. Each is a separate application with its own form.
Critical tips
- File DIC within 1 year of death to capture retroactive benefits to date of death. Filing later means benefits start the date you filed.
- DIC is NOT means-tested — even high-income surviving spouses qualify if the veteran's death was service-connected or the veteran was rated 100%/TDIU for 10+ years.
- CHAMPVA covers surviving spouses + children for life (until remarriage in some cases). Worth filing even if you have other healthcare.
- In crisis: 988 + Press 1 — Veterans Crisis Line is also available to surviving family members of veterans.