🕯️ Survivor & Gold Star Benefits

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment of approximately $1,612/month for surviving spouses of veterans whose death was service-connected — or who were rated 100% P&T for at least 10 years before passing. Additional amounts are available if you have children, are housebound, or were married for 8+ years. DIC is separate from any life insurance, Survivors Pension, or Social Security benefits. Apply using VA Form 21-534EZ.

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 21-534EZ.

If the veteran was rated 100% P&T at the time of death, or died from a service-connected condition, surviving dependents may be eligible for ChampVA — a healthcare program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Apply using VA Form 10-10d. ChampVA can save thousands per year in healthcare costs.

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides up to 36 months of education and training benefits — currently about $1,400/month — for surviving spouses and children. The Fry Scholarship offers even more comprehensive education benefits for survivors of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Apply using VA Form 22-5490.

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.

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.