The Social Security Administration (SSA) is urging spouses, dependents, and even parents of Veterans to explore the range of benefits they may be entitled to. These benefits include financial assistance, educational support, home loans, and health care programs, among others. Each benefit is designed to provide crucial support to the families of Veterans, especially after a Veteran’s death or in cases of service-related disabilities.
Let’s find the available benefits, including VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.), accrued benefits, burial assistance, and more.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.) is a primary benefit available to survivors of Veterans who passed away due to service-related injuries or illnesses or died while on active duty. This monthly payment is available to surviving spouses, children, and sometimes dependent parents. It provides long-term financial support to help replace the income that was lost due to the Veteran’s death.
- Who can apply: Surviving spouses, dependent children, and parents.
- When to apply: After a Veteran dies in active duty or from a service-related condition.
VA Accrued Benefits
The VA Accrued Benefits is a one-time payment for surviving spouses, dependent children, or parents of a deceased Veteran. This payment is made when the Veteran had unpaid benefits at the time of their death. Accrued benefits are available if the Veteran was entitled to compensation or benefits that were not fully received before they passed away.
- Who can apply: Surviving spouses, dependent children, or parents.
- What it covers: Unpaid benefits owed to the Veteran before their passing.
Burial and Burial Allowances
For those looking for assistance with burial expenses, the VA Burial Benefits program offers help with funeral costs. These benefits can include:
- A gravesite in a U.S. National Cemetery.
- Opening and closing of the grave.
- Perpetual care of the gravesite.
- A government headstone, marker, or medallion.
- A burial flag for the family.
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate.
- Additional allowances, including plot allowance and transportation allowance.
These benefits can help ease the financial burden on families during a difficult time and ensure that Veterans are honored with a proper burial.
Other Benefits
In addition to D.I.C. and burial benefits, there are several other programs that families of Veterans can take advantage of:
| Benefit | Description | Who is Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| VA Training and Education | Offers financial assistance for education through programs like the Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35 Benefits. | Spouses and children of Veterans who died in the line of duty or from service-related disabilities. |
| Caregiver Support Program | Provides support and resources for those caring for disabled Veterans, including emotional and practical assistance. | Family members who are primary caregivers for disabled Veterans. |
| VA Health Care | Offers health care benefits to eligible Veterans’ family members through the VA health care system. | Surviving spouses and dependents, depending on circumstances. |
| Home Loan Guaranty | Assists surviving spouses in obtaining home loans with low-interest rates and no down payment through the VA Home Loan program. | Surviving spouses of Veterans. |
| Final Monthly Payment | The final monthly VA or Social Security benefit payment can be provided to the surviving spouse after a Veteran’s passing. | Surviving spouse of the deceased Veteran. |
VA Training
One of the most valuable resources for families is educational support. The Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35 Benefits provide tuition assistance, financial help for books, and other educational expenses for dependents of Veterans who died in the line of duty or due to service-related disabilities.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Family members who provide care for Veterans with service-related disabilities may qualify for the VA Caregiver Support Program. This program offers emotional and practical support to caregivers, including access to VA health care services, caregiver training, and respite care.
VA Home Loan Guaranty
Surviving spouses can also take advantage of the VA Home Loan Guaranty program. This program offers low-interest home loans with no down payment, making it easier for surviving spouses to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage.
There are many benefits available to Veterans’ families, offering financial, educational, and practical support. From VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.) to home loans and burial allowances, these programs are designed to help families after the passing of a Veteran or in cases of service-related disabilities. Veterans’ families are encouraged to explore all the options and apply for benefits they may be entitled to through the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs.
FAQs
What is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.)?
D.I.C. provides monthly payments to eligible survivors when a Veteran dies due to service-related causes or in active duty.
Who qualifies for VA accrued benefits?
Spouses, dependent children, and parents of deceased Veterans can claim accrued benefits if the Veteran had unpaid benefits before passing.
What burial benefits are available for Veterans?
Benefits include a gravesite in a national cemetery, perpetual care, a headstone, and burial flag.
How can families of Veterans access educational support?
Programs like the Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35 Benefits offer financial assistance for education to dependents of Veterans.
What is the VA Home Loan Guaranty program?
The VA Home Loan Guaranty provides favorable home loan terms, such as low interest rates and no down payment, to surviving spouses.
