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I lost my veteran. What survivor benefits may apply?

We honor your veteran's service — and your sacrifice. Start with the programs that may fit your circumstances and confirm the current rules with VA.

Guided route · 6 benefit areas · Complete survivor guide

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Follow these waypoints in order.

  1. Do now · 01

    Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

    DIC is a tax-free payment for eligible survivors when a service member died in the line of duty, a veteran died from a service-connected illness or injury, or a veteran was entitled to compensation for a totally disabling service-connected disability for a qualifying period. Relationship, age, income, remarriage, and other rules vary by survivor type. VA Form 21P-534EZ generally applies to a surviving spouse or child of a veteran; other survivors may need a different form.

    DIC details at VA.gov

  2. Waypoint · 02

    Survivors Pension (if DIC doesn't apply)

    If the veteran's death was not service-connected, you may still qualify for Survivors Pension — an income-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and dependents. The veteran must have served during a wartime period. If you need help with daily activities or are housebound, you may qualify for Aid & Attendance, which increases your pension amount. Apply using VA Form 21P-534EZ.

    Survivors Pension at VA.gov

  3. Waypoint · 03

    CHAMPVA healthcare for survivors

    A surviving spouse or dependent child may qualify for CHAMPVA if the veteran died from a service-connected disability or was rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability at death. Certain line-of-duty deaths may also qualify, and the applicant must not be eligible for TRICARE. CHAMPVA shares the cost of certain services and supplies. Apply using VA Form 10-10d.

    CHAMPVA form guide

  4. Waypoint · 04

    Chapter 35 DEA — education for survivors

    An eligible surviving spouse or child may receive Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) for approved school or job training. Eligibility periods, months of entitlement, and payment rates depend on the person's dates and training, so check the current VA rules and rate table. The Fry Scholarship is a separate program with different qualifying events and benefit rules. Apply using VA Form 22-5490.

    Chapter 35 at VA.gov

  5. Waypoint · 05

    Burial and memorial benefits

    The VA provides burial benefits including: burial in a national cemetery at no cost, a government headstone or marker, a presidential memorial certificate, a burial flag, and a burial allowance to help cover funeral expenses. If the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery, you can still receive a headstone, marker, or medallion. These benefits are available to most veterans regardless of disability rating.

    Burial benefits at VA.gov

  6. Go next · 06

    Gold Star family resources and additional support

    As a Gold Star family member, additional resources are available to you: the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers peer support and counseling, many states offer property tax exemptions, free vehicle registration, and education benefits specifically for Gold Star families. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help you navigate all available benefits at no cost — you don't have to do this alone.

    TAPS support for survivors

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