Last fact-check: July 27, 2026 · Primary source: Department of Veterans Affairs · General information, not a benefits determination
Quick answer
VA pays two main survivor benefits. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected condition or on active duty — the 2026 base rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36 a month, plus $421.00 for each eligible child under 18. Survivors Pension is a separate needs-based benefit for lower-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans. VA pays whichever of the two is higher — not both.
Key takeaways
- DIC does not depend on income; Survivors Pension does.
- Remarriage: DIC generally continues if you remarried at age 55 or older on or after January 5, 2021 (57+ for remarriages between December 16, 2003 and January 4, 2021).
- All amounts below took effect December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA).
2026 DIC rates (veteran death on or after January 1, 1993)
| Component | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse base rate | $1,699.36 |
| Each eligible child under 18 | +$421.00 |
| Transitional benefit (first 2 years, with children under 18) | +$359.00 |
| 8-year provision (veteran totally disabled 8 years before death, married those years) | +$360.85 |
| Aid & Attendance (spouse) | +$421.00 |
| Housebound | +$197.22 |
Who qualifies for DIC
DIC generally requires that the service member died on active duty (or active/inactive duty training), or the veteran died from a service-connected condition, or the veteran was rated totally disabling for at least 10 years before death (or since release and for at least 5 years immediately before death, or at least 1 year for a former POW who died after September 30, 1999). Spouses, eligible children and some dependent parents can qualify.
Survivors Pension (needs-based, separate)
| Category | Annual maximum (MAPR) |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse alone | $11,699 |
| With 1 dependent | $15,311 |
| Alone + Housebound | $14,298 |
| Alone + Aid & Attendance | $18,697 |
| Housebound + 1 dependent | $17,902 |
| Aid & Attendance + 1 dependent | $22,304 |
| Each additional child | +$2,984 |
Actual pension generally equals the difference between the MAPR and countable income; unreimbursed medical expenses can reduce countable income. The net-worth limit is $163,699 (December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2026). Wartime-service rules mirror the Veterans Pension.
One or the other: if you qualify for both DIC and Survivors Pension, VA pays the higher benefit — they are not combined.
How to apply
- DIC: file VA Form 21P-534EZ online, by mail, in person or with an accredited representative.
- Survivors Pension: same form covers pension for surviving spouses and children.
- Gather the veteran’s service records, death certificate and marriage/dependency documents.
Related guides
Official sources
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. Every DIC and Survivors Pension figure, the remarriage age rules and the pay-the-higher rule were checked against the linked VA pages on July 27, 2026. VA determines each claim. The Guru Gazette is independent and is not affiliated with VA.