For those left behind after the passing of a U.S. military Veteran or service member, grief is often accompanied by difficult decisions—and questions. What support is available? How do you begin navigating the paperwork? The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of benefits to help survivors maintain stability and preserve dignity in honor of their loved one’s service.

Surviving family members may be eligible for two key types of tax-free monetary support:

• Survivors Pension: Financial support for low-income surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime Veterans.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payments to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related condition.

Surviving spouses may be eligible if:

• You lived with the Veteran at the time of their passing, or were separated through no fault of your own.
• You were married for at least one year, had a child together, or married within 15 years of the Veteran’s discharge from the service period tied to their illness or injury.

Surviving children must be:

• Unmarried
• Not already included in the surviving spouse’s compensation
• Under 18, or under 23 if attending school

Adopted children can also qualify, provided they meet all other criteria.

Applicants must provide documentation proving:

• The service member died on active duty or training duty
• Or the Veteran died from a service-connected condition
• Or the Veteran had a totally disabling condition rated at 100% for:
  • At least 10 years prior to their death
  • 5 years following discharge (if rated at time of separation)
  • 1 year if the Veteran was a former POW and passed after September 30, 1999

Evidence may include military service records, doctor’s reports, and medical test results.

Survivors can apply using the following forms:

• VA Form 21P-534a (for surviving spouses/children of those who died on active duty)
• VA Form 21P-534EZ (for survivors of Veterans)
• VA Form 21P-535 (for surviving parents)

• Online via AccessVA’s QuickSubmit tool
• By mail: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365
• In person at your local VA office
• Through a VSO: Veterans Service Organizations are trained to help at no cost

As part of estate planning, Veterans can pre-fill forms and include a copy of their DD-214 to simplify the process for loved ones later. When the time comes, family members can add the final details, sign, and submit—avoiding the scramble to locate service records during a difficult moment.

By knowing what’s available and how to apply, survivors can better access the support they deserve. It’s not just paperwork—it’s a promise honored, and a legacy preserved.