Veterans Affrais Claims and Benefits for Dependents of Veterans

VA Claims & Benefits – Dependent

Compensation
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Service member’s death during military service, or by the death of a Veteran as a result of a service-connected disability. VA also pays these benefits to the survivors of a Veteran whose death is not service-connected, but who was rated by VA as being totally disabled due to a service-connected disability for a specified period of time immediately preceding death.

Survivors pension
Surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased wartime Veterans are eligible for monthly pension benefits if they meet the net worth and income requirements

Aid and Attendance
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, 65 years and older, may be entitled to a tax-free benefit called Aid and Attendance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The Benefit is designed to provide financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term care for those who need assistance with the daily activities of living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring.

Education and training
The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family.

The VA also offers

  • The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is available for children and spouses of Service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
  • The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

VA Home Loans
VA offers three home loan guaranty programs to eligible surviving spouses of Veterans and Servicemembers. These programs may be used to refinance a mortgage or help purchase, construct, or improve a home. Certain surviving spouses may be eligible for the following programs:

  • Purchase Loans
  • Cash-Out Refinance Home Loans
  • Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans

Life Insurance
Beneficiaries of all VA life insurance programs receive a tax-free monetary death benefit that may be used in any way. In addition, if you are a beneficiary under the SGLI, VGLI, FSGLI spousal coverage, or TSGLI programs, you are eligible for free VA Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services and Online Will Preparation Services to help you obtain independent financial advice in using your insurance proceeds and prepare a will without having to hire an attorney.

Memorial Benefits
Veterans with a qualifying discharge are entitled to VA burial benefits. Spouses and dependent children are eligible too, even if they predecease the Veteran.

Burial in a VA national cemetery

  • Opening and closing of the grave or burial of cremated remains or placement in an above-ground vault, also called a columbarium
  • A government furnished grave liner
  • Perpetual care of the gravesite
  • A headstone or marker with an inscription
  • A burial flag
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate
  • Transportation of flower arrangements from the committal service shelter to the gravesite

Burial in a private cemetery

  • A government headstone, marker, or medallion
  • A burial flag
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate.
  • Some survivors may also be entitled to VA burial allowances as partial reimbursement for the costs of funerals and burials for eligible Veterans

The Compensation and pension checklist can be downloaded here

For more information, you can contact us at 330-643-2830 or email us by clicking here.