VA Survivor & Family Benefits
Complete index of VA benefits for surviving spouses, children, parents, and dependents of U.S. military veterans. Each program below links to detailed eligibility, application, and FAQ pages elsewhere on this site or to our open-data /api/survivor-benefits JSON endpoint.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Tax-free monthly VA payment to surviving spouses, children, and parents when a veteran's death is service-connected (or veteran was 100% P&T for 10+ years before death). 2026 base rate: $1,653.07/month.
CHAMPVA — Healthcare for Survivors
No-premium healthcare for spouses and children of 100% P&T veterans or veterans who died from service-connected causes. Annual deductible $50 individual / $100 family.
Survivors Pension (Death Pension)
Tax-free monthly income for unremarried low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans. 2026 MAPR: $11,102/yr base, up to $17,743/yr with Aid & Attendance.
DEA — Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
Up to 36 months of education benefits ($1,488/month full-time student in 2026) for spouses and children of 100% P&T or service-connected-deceased veterans.
VA Burial Benefits
Free burial at any of 155 VA National Cemeteries, free government headstone or marker, free Presidential Memorial Certificate, plus burial allowance up to $2,000 for service-connected death.
Surviving Spouse VA Home Loan
Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes are eligible for VA-guaranteed home loans on the same terms as the veteran would have been.
SAH (Specially Adapted Housing) Grant Inheritance
Surviving spouse of a veteran with a SAH grant may complete the modifications and use the grant for an adapted home.
Need Help Filing?
Find a free County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) in your county — they file survivor claims at no cost. Or use our Q&A bot.
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