(Photo: Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter)

When a Veteran passes away, certain VA benefits may be available to their eligible family members. These benefits depend on factors such as the Veteran’s service record, disability status, and other criteria. 

Benefits for Children and Dependents of Veterans

Here are some common VA benefits that may pass on to family members.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or D.I.C., is a monthly, tax-free benefit for eligible survivors of certain deceased Veterans. It is available to surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of Service Members who died in the line of duty, Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease, or Veterans who were totally disabled due to service-connected conditions for a specified period before passing away.

Healthcare Benefits

Family members of deceased Veterans may qualify for healthcare benefits through the VA. One such option is the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, CHAMPVA, which provides coverage for spouses and dependent children of Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities. This program ensures access to necessary medical care and services.

Survivors Pension

The Survivors Pension is designed for low-income, non-remarried surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased wartime Veterans. Eligibility is based on income and net worth limitations, as well as certain service-related conditions of the deceased Veteran. This benefit provides financial support to help meet the living expenses of eligible family members.

Home Loan Guarantee

Surviving spouses of certain deceased Veterans may be eligible for VA home loan guarantee benefits. This program allows the surviving spouse to obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan with favorable terms. These guarantees can make it easier to secure a loan, purchase a home, or refinance an existing mortgage under better conditions.

Education Benefits

The VA provides education benefits to surviving spouses and children of certain deceased Veterans through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, DEA, program. This program offers educational and training opportunities, including tuition assistance, to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions, died while on active duty, or as a result of a service-connected disability.

Burial Benefits

The VA offers burial benefits for eligible Veterans, including interment in a VA National Cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Eligible family members may also receive certain burial benefits, such as reimbursement for burial expenses or assistance with the transportation of the deceased Veteran’s remains.

To learn more about these benefits and other related programs, visit the VA’s official website or contact a VA representative.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.