Survivor Benefits

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Partners Benefits

The US VA maintains a website dedicated to the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died while in active military service and to the survivors of veterans who died after active service.  Information can be found on what is available, how to apply and forms required. Visit the VA Survivors Benefits website now!

VA Benefits & Services

Various services are available including:

  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — This is a tax-free benefit for the surviving spouse and dependent children.
  • Parents' DIC — This benefit is a monthly benefit amount for the decedent's parents based on income
  • Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) — This program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans
  • Work-Study Employment — This program is available to eligible survivors while pursuing a program of education or training under Dependent's Educational Assistance (Chapter 35).
  • Home Loan Guaranty — The surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or as the result of a service-connected disability may be eligible for a guaranteed loan from a private lender.
  • Life Insurance Settlement  --  Information on where and how to file for Servicemember's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) proceeds may be found at VA's Insurance Center Web site.
  • Vet Center Bereavement Counseling — Bereavement Counseling is now being offered to parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Services — VR&E can provide a wide range of vocational and educational counseling services to survivors and dependents who are eligible for one of VA's educational benefit programs.
  • Education Program Refunds — The designated survivor of a deceased service member will be refunded the service member's pay reductions for participation in the Montgomery GI Bill, less benefits previously paid to the service member and contributions to the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).

Service Relief & Service Resources

Additional Resources are available to spouses & dependents from the following sources: