Death Benefits
When a veteran becomes deceased, the Veterans Administration will provide death benefits to qualifying family members such as surviving spouses and children.
Known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC for short, these benefits require evidence showing that the veteran’s death was somehow connected to an in-service event.
The Veterans Administration also allows DIC benefits to be paid to family members of a veteran:
- Whose death resulted from a non-service-related injury or disease, and who was receiving, or was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling for at least 10 years immediately before death
- Or since the veteran’s release from active duty and for at least five years immediately preceding death
- Or for at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.
How much can they pay?
A monthly benefit, a DIC provides a basic rate of $1,154 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance.
The VA also adds a transitional benefit of $286 to the surviving spouse’s monthly DIC if there are children under age 18. The amount is based on a family unit, not individual children.
Claimants should complete VA Form 21-534 Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child.
Cases We Handle
Testimonials
5 stars??? If I could give 10, I would!!! Professional, knowledgeable, caring.... there’s not enough words to describe what an amazing experience I’ve had dealing with them. Highly recommend!!!
- Tanya
Attorney David Magann is a Marine Corps Veteran with a Criminology Degree from The University of South Florida and a Law Degree from The University of Miami. He will be your advocate working to get the benefits you have earned under the Department of Veterans Affairs.
TESTIMONIALS
I was at my wits end when I hired [David] to help with my VA appeals. At the time I was unaware that I also qualified for SSDI, which he filed for and won my case fairly quickly. As far as the VA , the process is a lot slower but he got me to the right doctors and had them fill out the proper DBQs, Nexus Letters and IMOs to help win my cases. I went from 40% to 60% , 60% to 80% , and 80% to 100% Permanent and Total. I’m fortunate to have another veteran help me prevail when I was so close to giving up.
- Julio
Finally completed my VA claim after 10 years. It all worked out with Mr. Magann's help! I could have never done it without you and your great staff! Great representation with both my VA and Social Security claim. It helps to have a fellow veteran represent me against the Veterans Administration. Semper Fi!
- Robert
Mr. Magann is a veteran that cares about the well-being of all veterans. And will go the distance for all clients needing help with Social Security claims. I highly recommend if you are in need of an attorney for VA or SSI Benefits.
- George
First off, let me start by saying the level of professionalism from this firm should be the industry standard. Every question I had, from start to finish, was answered in a timely manner, the whole process, from start to finish was transparent and laid out in front of me. David Magann deserves every accolade coming to him now, and in the future. David, my family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.
- J
David Magann is the real deal. He helped my son with a VA problem going back over ten years and denied by the VA. Thanks.
- Alex