Surviving Spouse + Dependent Benefit
Survivors Pension (Death Pension)
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
- Form
- VA Form 21P-534EZ (same form, VA classifies based on circumstances)
How this differs 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.
Next step
For low-income surviving spouses unsure if DIC vs Pension applies — file 21P-534EZ and let VA classify.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential. Family members can also reach the line; bereaved family members of fallen service members are specifically supported.
Other survivor + dependent benefits
About this guide
Survivor + dependent benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Always verify current eligibility + amounts at va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits before filing. CVSOs (County Veterans Service Officers) and VSOs (American Legion, VFW, DAV) file these claims for surviving spouses at no cost.