VA survivor benefits include cash compensation, healthcare, education, and home loan benefits for the families of deceased veterans. This 2026 hub explains every program available to surviving spouses, children, and parents.
Cash benefits for survivors
- DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) — $1,699.36/month base rate in 2026 for service-connected deaths.
- Survivors Pension — income-based monthly benefit for low-income surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans.
- Accrued benefits — unpaid VA benefits the veteran was entitled to before death.
- Burial allowance — up to $2,000 for service- connected death, $796 for non-service-connected.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
SBP is a military retirement annuity option, not a VA benefit. Retirees pay into SBP from their retirement pay so that 55% continues to a surviving spouse. Since 2023, SBP and DIC can both be paid in full — the “widow's tax” offset is gone.
Healthcare for survivors
- CHAMPVA — covers spouses and children of veterans who died from a service-connected condition, or were rated permanently 100% before death. Free healthcare for eligible survivors.
- Tricare Survivor — available to spouses and children of service members who died on active duty.
Education benefits for survivors
- Chapter 35 / DEA — up to 36 months of education benefits for spouses and children of permanently disabled or deceased veterans. Pays about $1,574/month full-time in 2026.
- Fry Scholarship — Post-9/11 GI Bill-style benefits for survivors of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11/2001. Pays tuition plus MHA.
Home loan benefits
Surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected condition may qualify for the VA home loan guaranty — same terms as the veteran would receive.
Burial and memorial benefits
- Free burial in a VA national cemetery.
- Headstone or marker.
- Burial flag.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate.
- Up to $948 in plot/interment allowance.
How to apply for VA survivor benefits
- Notify the VA of the veteran's death.
- File VA Form 21P-534EZ for DIC, Pension, or accrued benefits.
- Apply for CHAMPVA via VA Form 10-10d.
- Apply for Chapter 35 education benefits via VA Form 22-5490.
- Apply for VA home loan COE via VA Form 26-1817.
Compare survivor benefits
Start at the VA survivor benefits hub.