What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments are made to survivors of military personnel who have died in the line of duty. These payments are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Who May Receive Compensation?
DIC may be paid to eligible survivors of: - A serviceman or woman who died while on active duty
- A veteran who died of a service-related injury or disease
Eligible survivors include: - Surviving spouses who have not remarried
- Unmarried children under 18
- Children attending a VA-approved school
- Certain helpless children
- Possibly low-income parents
If a surviving spouse does get remarried but that marriage ends in death, divorce, or annulment, DIC can be restored. How Can I Apply?
If you are an eligible survivor, you should complete VA Form 21-534 (Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child). Once it is complete, you should send it to the VA regional office in your area. If you wish to restore DIC benefits, just call 1-800-827-1000 for more information. Do I Need a Lawyer Experienced with DIC?
A lawyer would be able to inform you of the rights you have as an eligible survivor. A lawyer may also help in dealing with the relevant agencies. |
