Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly check paid to eligible survivors of certain deceased veterans. To get DIC, you must be an eligible survivor of a veteran who died because of a service-related illness or injury.

If the veteran's death was NOT service-related, you may still be eligible if ANY of the following conditions existed at the time of death:

the veteran was getting VA Disability Compensation for a total disability for the last 10 years. (Note: This also includes veterans who would have received VA compensation but didn't because they were getting military retirement or disability pay.)

the veteran was getting VA Disability Compensation for a total disability continuously since released from active duty and for at least 5 years.

the veteran was a former prisoner of war, was getting VA Disability Compensation for a total disability continuously for at least one year before death, and died after September 30, 1999.
You may be an eligible survivor if:

you were married to the veteran for at least 1 year (Note: If a child was born, there is no time requirement) AND

your marriage was valid AND

you lived with the veteran continuously until his/her death or, if you were separated, you weren't at fault AND
you are not currently remarried OR

you are an unmarried child of a deceased veteran AND

you are under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school
Note: Certain helpless adult children and some parents of deceased veterans are entitled to DIC. Call VA toll free for the eligibility requirements for these survivors.

How Much Does VA Pay?

VA pays a basic monthly rate to eligible surviving spouses determined by a variety of factors. In some cases, VA will pay more than $1,000 per month. Call the toll-free number below for information about rates paid to eligible children:

1-800-827-1000