A guide to VA survivor benefits: What to do when a veteran dies

How to access VA survivor benefits

Losing a loved one is always hard. On top of grieving, you might also be worried about what to do next and how to handle their affairs. But if that loved one was also a veteran, you might also be wondering how to interact with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and what type of benefits you might be eligible for as a survivor. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you understand any potential VA survivor benefits.

Critical first steps: Reporting a veteran's death to the VA

After a veteran passes away, there are some important things you need to do immediately. Taking care of these first steps can help smooth out the process of applying for VA survivor benefits.

But even if you don’t quality for any survivor benefits, it’s still important to notify the VA. This helps survivors avoid debt due to overpayments of benefits, because the VA will recoup any payments made after the veteran dies.

The fastest way is to notify the VA is to call the main number, 1-800-698-2411. You’ll need to provide key information about the veteran:

• Full name
• Social Security number or VA claim number
• Date of birth
• Date of death
• Branch of service

Understanding VA survivor benefits and eligibility

Family members may be eligible for several different VA survivor benefits. Eligibility varies by benefit and can be complicated. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common benefits.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC, is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible surviving spouses, children and sometimes parents. Eligibility requirements depend on if you’re the surviving spouse, child or parent. You’ll have to fill out an application and submit it to the VA.‍ ‍

VA burial and memorial benefits

These benefits can help cover things like:

• Burial expenses
• Cemetery plot
• Headstone or marker
• Transportation of the remains

Veterans can check their eligibility in advance by applying for a pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery.‍ ‍ While this doesn’t guarantee the location of your burial plot, taking this step can greatly reduce stress on your family after you’re gone, given them one less thing to take care of during an already difficult time.
Note that if the veteran has already died, you can’t apply for pre-need eligibility and will instead need to schedule a burial.‍ ‍

VA Survivors Pension

The VA Survivors Pension is another benefit that can help a surviving spouse and any unmarried dependent children of deceased veterans. The Survivors Pension is different from DIC because it's based on financial need. It’s designed for people whose income and assets fall below levels determined by Congress. The VA Survivors Pension amount can even be increased for those who need regular aid and attendance and even if you have dependent children.
The way the VA determines if you qualify and how much you qualify for can be complex, but the VA can help walk you through the process.‍ ‍

Other potential benefits

Besides DIC, burial benefits and the Survivors Pension, there are additional VA death benefits that you may be able to receive. The qualification requirements for each will vary, so take time to review because they could be helpful.

• Bereavement counseling: Get assistance and support for those dealing with the death of a loved one.
• VA life insurance benefits: If the veteran had a VA life insurance policy, such as Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, or SGLI, or Veterans' Group Life Insurance, or VGLI, the beneficiary can file a claim to receive the death benefit.‍ ‍ These funds can provide financial assistance when it might be needed most.
• Home loans for surviving spouses: A veteran’s death does not always mean you lose your eligibility for a VA home loan. Check the eligibility requirements to see if you can get a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE.‍ ‍
• Education benefits:
  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill might be available if the benefits were transferred to the spouse or children. The rules can get complex, but it’s important to learn about your options.‍ ‍
  • The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program,‍ ‍ also called Chapter 35, can help pay for college, vocational training and other educational pursuits. It’s important to note that if you are receiving DIC, you’ll need to give up those benefits when you begin to use DEA.
  • A Fry Scholarship‍ ‍ can provide up to 36 months of tuition and fees, housing, book and supplies, as well as cover other education expenses. If you are a surviving spouse, you can continue to get DIC and use a Fry Scholarship, but surviving children must give up DIC.
  • There are other benefits that you might be eligible for, so check the VA’s education and career benefits center.‍ ‍

VA survivor benefits checklist

Applying for VA survivor benefits can seem complicated and time consuming and requires persistence. But having the right documents and following the steps carefully can make the process smoother. Here are some key documents you might need:

• Death certificate
• DD Form 214, the veteran's report of separation from military service from the Department of Defense
• Marriage license
• Birth certificates or adoption agreements for any children
• Financial information: You may need to provide information about your income and assets, especially if you're applying for the Survivors Pension.

For a more comprehensive list of the documents you might need and who you’ll need to notify to claim any benefits, check out our survivor’s checklist.

Get support

Here is one bit of encouragement during a difficult time: You don’t have to do it alone. There are resources available to help you.

One option is working with a veterans service organization, or VSO. These nonprofit groups help veterans and their families understand and apply for benefits. VSOs often have expert knowledge and offer their services for free. The VA has made it easy to find accredited VSOs near you.‍ ‍ We also recommend these organizations:

• American Legion‍ ‍
• Veterans of Foreign Wars‍ ‍
• Wounded Warrior Project‍ ‍
• Disabled American Veterans‍ ‍

Also, most states participate in the County VSO program. You can find a County VSO by searching for your state’s department of veteran services. Another option is to contact the VA and work through the process yourself. The VA is there to help you understand your benefits and get the support you need.

By taking it one step at a time, gathering the necessary documents and seeking help from trusted resources like VSOs, you can successfully apply for the benefits you deserve. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available to guide you through this difficult time.

We’re here to help during this difficult and overwhelming time. While there are some things that only the VA can handle, our dedicated Survivor Relations team can help you with many other aspects of dealing with the death of a loved done.