The VA Wayfinder — vawayfinder.org
Survivor & Gold Star Benefits
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.
Your route checklist
6 stepsStep 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Quick Reference
Key Phone Numbers
VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
VA Health: 1-877-222-8387
Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)
Key Websites
VA.gov — File claims, manage benefits
vawayfinder.org — Guides & navigator
VA.gov/vso — Find free VSO help
Common Forms You May Need
21-0966: Intent to File (when needed)
21-526EZ: Disability Claim
21-686c: Add Dependents
21-10210: Buddy Statement