Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

DIC is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Since 2023, the SBP-DIC offset has been eliminated — surviving spouses can receive both DIC and SBP simultaneously without reduction.

Surviving spouses who remarry after age 57 retain DIC eligibility. Children are eligible until age 18 (or 23 if in school). If the veteran was rated totally disabled for 8+ consecutive years ending on their death date, DIC is payable regardless of cause of death. Apply with VA Form 21-534EZ.