Veterans who have served honorably and sacrificed for their country are entitled to a range of benefits, but many may not realize that these benefits can extend to their family members as well. The VA offers several programs that provide financial, educational, and healthcare assistance to the spouses, children, and dependents of veterans. Understanding the various family benefits for veterans can help ensure that your loved ones receive the support they deserve.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key family benefits available through the VA, how to qualify, and practical tips to navigate the application process.
Types of Family Benefits for Veterans
The VA provides several types of benefits specifically for family members of veterans. These include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Survivors Pension
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
- CHAMPVA Healthcare Benefits
- VA Home Loan Benefits for Surviving Spouses
- Burial Benefits
Let’s break down each of these benefits in detail.
1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. This benefit is available to:
- The spouse of the deceased veteran
- Children under 18 or full-time students between 18 and 23
- Dependent parents in certain cases
DIC payments are made if the veteran died from a service-connected disability or if the veteran was rated totally disabled for 10 years before their death.
- Tip: If you’re a surviving spouse, be sure to apply for DIC benefits as soon as possible after the veteran’s passing. The sooner you apply, the earlier your benefits will start.
- Common Mistake: Many surviving spouses don’t realize that they are eligible for DIC if their veteran spouse had been rated totally disabled for at least 10 years before their death, even if the cause of death was not directly related to service.
2. Survivors Pension
The Survivors Pension provides a monthly income to low-income surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans. To qualify, the surviving spouse must meet certain income and net worth limits. Unlike DIC, this benefit is not dependent on the cause of the veteran’s death.
The amount of the Survivors Pension depends on your income, and the VA calculates your total benefit by subtracting your countable income from the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).
- Tip: Keep thorough records of your income and expenses to ensure that your pension calculation is accurate. If your medical expenses exceed 5% of the MAPR, you may be able to deduct them to reduce your countable income.
3. Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans. This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used for college, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other educational pursuits. Eligible recipients include:
- Spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition
- Children of veterans who died or were permanently disabled due to service-connected conditions
DEA benefits can cover tuition, fees, and books, as well as provide a monthly stipend to help with living expenses.
- Tip: If you’re planning to attend school, apply for DEA benefits well in advance. You can use this benefit to attend traditional four-year universities or pursue vocational training, depending on your career goals.
4. CHAMPVA Healthcare Benefits
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides health insurance for the spouses, children, and survivors of veterans who meet certain criteria. CHAMPVA covers most healthcare services and supplies, including doctor visits, hospital stays, mental health services, and prescription medications.
To qualify for CHAMPVA, the veteran must be:
- Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or
- Deceased from a service-connected disability
CHAMPVA can also serve as a secondary insurance if you have other healthcare coverage, such as Medicare.
- Tip: Apply for CHAMPVA as soon as you or your dependents become eligible. It can help cover a wide range of medical expenses that might otherwise be out-of-pocket.
5. VA Home Loan Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for VA home loan benefits, which provide competitive mortgage rates and often require no down payment. Surviving spouses may qualify if the veteran:
- Died in service or from a service-connected disability
- Was missing in action or a prisoner of war for 90 days or more
The VA home loan program allows surviving spouses to purchase or refinance a home without the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI), saving them significant costs.
- Tip: Be sure to check your eligibility with a VA-approved lender. Even if you’ve already used your VA home loan benefit once, you may still be eligible for a second use under certain circumstances.
6. Burial Benefits
The VA provides several burial benefits to help cover the costs of a veteran’s funeral, burial, and gravesite. Eligible family members can receive:
- A burial allowance for funeral and burial expenses
- A VA-issued headstone or marker for the veteran’s grave
- An American flag to drape over the casket
In addition, veterans are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, with available space reserved for spouses and dependents.
- Tip: Contact the VA as soon as possible after the veteran’s passing to apply for burial benefits. Many of these benefits are time-sensitive, and applying early can help ensure that costs are covered.
Additional Benefits for Dependents
In addition to the primary family benefits listed above, there are other programs that may provide assistance to the dependents of veterans, such as:
- Vocational Rehabilitation for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently disabled
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if a veteran requires aid and attendance due to a disability, with some benefits extending to their spouse
Practical Tips for Applying for Family Benefits
When applying for family benefits, it’s essential to be organized and proactive. Here are some tips to help streamline the process:
- Keep all documents organized: Gather essential documents such as the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), medical records, death certificate, and financial information. You’ll need these to apply for most VA family benefits.
- Don’t wait to apply: Many benefits, such as DIC and Survivors Pension, are time-sensitive. Applying early ensures you won’t miss out on compensation.
- Work with an accredited representative: Navigating the VA’s benefits system can be complex. Working with a VA-accredited attorney or representative can help ensure your applications are properly completed and submitted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for family benefits:
- Not knowing eligibility rules: Make sure you understand the criteria for each benefit, especially DIC and Survivors Pension. Eligibility rules vary, and many surviving spouses miss out on benefits they’re entitled to because they don’t fully understand the requirements.
- Missing deadlines: Some benefits require you to apply within a specific timeframe after the veteran’s death. Be sure to submit your application as early as possible to avoid delays.
Why Disability Law Group Can Help You Secure Family Benefits
At Disability Law Group, we understand how important it is to ensure your family receives the benefits they deserve. Our VA-accredited attorneys are experienced in helping veterans and their families navigate the complex VA benefits system. We can assist you in understanding your options, completing applications, and appealing any unfavorable decisions.
Let Disability Law Group help you get the family benefits you deserve, providing financial security and healthcare support for you and your loved ones.
