What VA Benefits are Available for a Service Connected Veteran’s Surviving Spouse?

If  a veteran is rated 100% SC for 10 years prior to death, and die of anything, the surviving spouse is eligible for Dependency Idemnity Compensation (DIC), provided that they were married to and living with the vet, at the time of death.

The DIC amount is $1,400.00, per month, if vet was a 100% for 8 years prior to death.  The surviving spouse receives an additional $286.00 per month if she requires Aid and Attendance. Additionaly, the surviving spouse receives $135.00 per month if housebound. However, it is important that the spouse file within one year of the veterans death to preserve a retroactive payment date of the first day of the month after the vet's death.

Additionally, the surviving spouse is entitled to CHAMPVA health benefits if not qualified for Tricare for Life, which would take precedent. 

Also, the burial benefit for a service connected death can be as high as $2,000.00.  If the vet did not die SC, it would be up to $300.00 for burial and $300.00 for a plot 

The surviving spouse can also file for headstone or marker, if the vet is not buried in a national cemetery. And the surviving spouse and other dependents can file for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

For more in to increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE HANDBOOK about VA Benefits, written by David Wingate, an accredited VA Attorney, of Senior Life Care Planning, LLC, go to info@seniorlcp.com or if you require additional information about VA Benefits, visit our Maryland Veterans Benefits

We also have a Blog on Elder Issues and Veteran's Benefits.

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