What This Update Is About

The VA has created a new rule that will help survivors receive certain benefits faster. This update explains what is changing and why it matters to families.

What DIC and Survivors' Pension Are

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax‑free monthly payment for eligible surviving spouses, children, or parents of:

• A service member who died in the line of duty

• A Veteran who died from a service‑connected injury or illness

Survivors' Pension is also a tax‑free monthly payment. It is for qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans. This benefit has income and net‑worth limits set by Congress.

What Is Changing

The VA is updating how it processes survivors’ claims:

• DIC and Survivors' Pension will no longer be processed separately.

• The VA will automatically pay the higher benefit first.

• In most cases, the higher benefit is DIC.

• Payments will not be delayed while the VA reviews the lower benefit.

This change begins February 23.

Why the VA Is Making This Change

The VA says this update will:

• Speed up decisions

• Reduce paperwork

• Help families receive benefits faster during difficult times

When Survivors' Pension May Be Higher

There are rare cases when the Survivors' Pension may pay more than DIC. This happens only if all of these are true:

• The person is the Veteran’s surviving spouse

• They have no dependents

• They live in a nursing home

• They have applied for or are receiving Medicaid

If all four conditions are met, the Survivors' Pension will be paid instead of DIC, and the DIC claim will not be developed further.

What This Means for People Already Receiving Benefits

Survivors already receiving DIC or Survivors' Pension will continue to get their payments.
This change mainly affects new claims filed on or after February 23.

How to Apply

Eligible survivors can apply by:

• Visiting VA.gov

• Filing a claim online for DIC or Survivors' Pension

• Working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

• Calling the VA for help

When This Change Starts

This rule goes into effect on February 23.

This update helps survivors receive payments faster and reduces delays during a difficult time. Families who may qualify should apply as soon as possible and check VA.gov for details about their situation.