06/04/2026
Even if a veteran's death was not service-related, a surviving spouse may still be entitled to several benefits:
VA Survivors Pension: A monthly, tax-free financial benefit available if the deceased veteran served during a designated wartime period and the surviving spouse meets certain income and net worth limits.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Generally reserved for service-related deaths, a spouse can still qualify for this monthly payment if the veteran was rated by the VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled for at least 10 continuous years immediately before their death (or at least 5 years from their release from active duty).
Burial Benefits: Assistance with burial allowances, a plot in a national cemetery, a government-provided headstone or marker, and a burial flag.
Healthcare (CHAMPVA) & Education (DEA): If the veteran was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition at the time of death, the spouse may retain or gain access to health insurance and educational assistance.
VA Home Loan Guaranty: The eligibility to use the VA home loan program may extend to the surviving spouse under the same 100% disability criteria.
