Surviving Dependents Resources
Comprehensive benefits and support programs for surviving spouses, children, and parents of our fallen heroes. These programs honor their service and provide crucial support during difficult times.
Need Immediate Assistance?
If you need immediate support or have urgent questions about benefits:
Available Benefits Programs
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Monthly payments to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from service-connected injuries or diseases.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Veteran died from service-connected disability
- •Veteran died in line of duty
- •Veteran had 100% disability rating for 10+ years before death
- •Valid marriage to deceased veteran
Key Benefits:
- •Monthly tax-free payments to surviving spouse
- •Additional payments for dependent children
- •Payments to eligible dependent parents
Survivors Pension
Monthly payments to low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased wartime veterans.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Veteran served during wartime period
- •Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- •Surviving spouse not remarried
- •Limited income and net worth
Key Benefits:
- •Monthly payments based on income
- •Aid and Attendance if housebound
- •Medical expense deductions
Chapter 35 - Survivors Educational Assistance
Education benefits for children and spouses of veterans who died or are permanently disabled due to service.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Veteran died from service-connected disability
- •Veteran permanently and totally disabled
- •Veteran missing in action or POW
- •Children ages 18-26, spouses eligible for 20 years
Key Benefits:
- •Monthly education payments
- •Up to 45 months of benefits
- •Tutorial assistance available
Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33)
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Service member died in line of duty after 9/10/2001
- •Child of deceased service member
- •Surviving spouse (if not remarried)
Key Benefits:
- •Full tuition and fees at public schools
- •Monthly housing allowance
- •Book and supply stipend
- •Up to 36 months of benefits
VA Home Loan Benefits
Home loan guaranty benefits for eligible surviving spouses to purchase or refinance a home.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Surviving spouse of veteran who died in service
- •Surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected disability
- •Surviving spouse not remarried
Key Benefits:
- •No down payment required
- •No private mortgage insurance
- •Competitive interest rates
- •Reusable benefit
CHAMPVA (Health Care)
Comprehensive health care coverage for eligible dependents of veterans with permanent and total disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- •Spouse or child of veteran with 100% P&T disability
- •Surviving spouse or child of veteran who died from service-connected disability
- •Not eligible for TRICARE
Key Benefits:
- •Coverage for medical services
- •Prescription drug coverage
- •Mental health services
- •Cost sharing with small copays
Support Organizations
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Free services for families of fallen military and veterans.
Operation Homefront
Emergency financial assistance and other support services.
Tips for Applying for Benefits
Gather Required Documents:
- • Veteran's death certificate
- • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- • Birth certificates (for children)
- • DD Form 214 or service records
- • Medical records (if applicable)
Get Professional Help:
- • Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
- • Consider hiring an accredited representative
- • Keep copies of all submitted documents
- • Follow up on your applications regularly
- • Don't hesitate to appeal if denied
Need Personal Assistance?
Navigating benefits as a surviving dependent can be overwhelming. Don't go through this alone - professional help is available at no cost to you.