Surviving spouses often don’t know what they can claim.
DIC
Monthly tax-free compensation of $1,699.36 base in 20261. See DIC.
Survivors Pension
Needs-based; the 2026 maximum with Aid and Attendance and no dependents is $18,697 a year2. See Survivors Pension.
CHAMPVA
For survivors of veterans who died of service-connected causes or were rated permanent and total3. See CHAMPVA.
Burial
See burial benefits4.
Help managing money
VA’s Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service offers free financial counseling to VA life insurance beneficiaries, and VALife pays proceeds as a lump sum56. If a surviving spouse can no longer manage VA payments because of dementia, VA can appoint a fiduciary; see VA fiduciary program7.
DIC or pension: which applies
Both are claimed on 21P-534EZ, but they’re different: DIC depends on the cause of death or the veteran’s rating history and has no income test for spouses, while Survivors Pension depends on wartime service and the survivor’s income and net worth89. A survivor can’t be paid both; VA pays the greater unless she chooses otherwise10.
Health coverage after the veteran's death
If the veteran died of a service-connected disability or was rated permanently and totally disabled at death, the surviving spouse can apply for CHAMPVA on VA Form 10-10d, unless she’s eligible for TRICARE3. CHAMPVA has a $50 deductible and 25% cost share, capped at $3,000 per household a year11. At 65 she must keep Medicare Parts A and B to keep CHAMPVA3. Remarrying at 55 or older doesn’t end it3.
Burial for the surviving spouse
A spouse or surviving spouse can be buried in a VA national cemetery, even after remarrying12. A pre-need eligibility decision, made ahead of time, makes things easier for the family; the person must still be living to apply13.
Which benefit fits which situation
| Benefit | Main test | 2026 amount |
|---|---|---|
| DIC | Service-connected death, or total rating for 10 years (or since discharge and 5 years) | $1,699.36 a month base |
| Survivors Pension | Wartime veteran; spouse's income and net worth limits | Up to $18,697 a year with Aid and Attendance, no dependents |
| CHAMPVA | Veteran was permanently and totally disabled or died of service-connected causes | Health coverage |
| Burial allowance | Whoever paid; veteran met VA's conditions | Up to $2,000 service-connected; $1,032 plus plot otherwise |
| Life insurance | A VALife or older VA policy was in force | Policy amount |
Source: VA DIC, pension, CHAMPVA, burial and life insurance pages82346.
The first 90 days: a checklist
- Order several certified death certificates; DIC, burial and insurance claims each ask for one8414.
- Find the DD214.
- File VA Form 21P-534EZ. One application covers DIC, Survivors Pension and accrued benefits; VA pays whichever of DIC or pension is greater810.
- File within a year of death so DIC for a service-connected death starts the first of the month of death15.
- Claim burial costs on 21P-530EZ within 2 years of burial for most non-service-connected deaths4.
- Claim any VA life insurance on Form 29-4125e (VALife)14.
- Apply for CHAMPVA if the veteran was permanently and totally disabled3.
Worked example
A widow, 78, whose husband had a 30% rating and died of a non-service-connected cancer: DIC doesn’t apply (no service-connected death, no 10-year total rating)8. But if he served during a wartime period and her income after medical expenses and her net worth fall under VA’s limits, she can claim Survivors Pension, with Aid and Attendance if she needs help with daily activities9. She files 21P-534EZ, and she or whoever paid the funeral files 21P-530EZ for the burial allowance, since he was receiving compensation when he died4.
Common mistakes
- Assuming nothing is available because the death wasn't service-connected9.
- Missing the remarriage rules: DIC continues after remarriage at 55 or older on or after January 5, 20218.
- Paying for help. Free help is available from accredited VSOs; see accredited help16.