Having a loved one in service is already difficult for most families, but having to deal with their sometimes imminent death could be more than what they can handle. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs takes care of the veterans’ dependents and survivors by providing them with certain benefits.
Most benefits are the same regardless of whether the member in service or veteran died while in active service or during civilian life. However, to know more about the specifics, dependents and survivors can click on the Death in Service link or the Death After Service link.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is payable to certain survivors of service members who died on active duty, veterans who died from service-related disabilities and certain veterans who were being paid 100% Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation at the time of death.
Other benefits include Death Pension, which is payable to some surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans, depending on the family’s financial need; Parents’ DIC, which is payable to some surviving parents, based on financial need; the CHAMPVA or the VA Civilian Health and Medical Program, which shares in the medical expenses of eligible dependents and survivors; Education and Training, for some eligible family members of disabled or deceased veterans; Home Loans, for certain surviving spouses; and Time Limits, or the duration in which the application for certain benefits remains applicable.
For more information on Survivor Benefits, visit this link.