Honoring Their Legacy: Children’s Path to DIC Benefits

We’ve created a useful guide to walk you through every step, including: 

• Am I Eligible? We’ll cover who’s eligible, so you can ensure you get support.
• How Do I Apply? We’ll guide you through making the process simpler.
• How Do I Maximize My Benefits? Get the full range of support, including additional allowances you may be entitled to.
• Your Questions Answered We’ll cover the most common questions from children

Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help see if you qualify:

Your Relationship to the Veteran

You must be the biological child, adopted child or stepchild of a veteran who died due to a service-connected injury or disability.

Age Limits/Restrictions

• Generally, eligibility for DIC extends until you’re 18 years of age. However, if you’re between 18 and 23 years old, you can remain eligible by attending a VA-approved school full-time.
• If you have a disability that occurred before 18 years of age that makes you incapable of self-support, there are no age limits for receiving DIC benefits.
• You must be unmarried.

Educational Status

As mentioned above, if you are between 18 and 23 years old and attending a VA-approved institution full-time, you can maintain DIC benefits. This includes high schools, vocational schools and colleges.

Before you apply, you’ll need a few documents:

• Your parent’s military discharge papers (DD214 or equivalent), showing their service and discharge status.
• Your birth certificate, to prove your relationship to the deceased veteran.
• The death certificate of your parent confirming their passing.
• If applicable, documentation of your school enrollment or proof of your disability.

You have a couple of options to submit your application to VA:

• Online: Through the VA’s official website, which is often the fastest method.
• Mail: Send your completed form and all necessary documents to the VA’s claims intake center.
• In-Person: Visit a VA regional office if you prefer to submit your documents directly.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Children

• Monthly DIC Payment: Eligible children receive a tax-free monetary benefit paid monthly. The rate is adjusted annually for cost of living and varies depending on the number of dependent children. Current rates can be found on the VA website here.
• Educational Assistance (DEA – Chapter 35): Provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. This benefit covers tuition, books, supplies, and a monthly housing allowance for up to 36 months of education benefits.
• Healthcare (CHAMPVA): For children who do not qualify for TRICARE, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) may cover a portion of medical costs. This includes hospital stays, outpatient services, mental health care, prescriptions, and skilled nursing care.
• Burial Benefits: Includes burial in a national cemetery and a government-furnished headstone or marker. Eligible dependents may also receive a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor the deceased veteran’s service.
• Survivors’ Pension: Children of deceased wartime veterans may be eligible for the VA Survivors’ Pension, a tax-free monetary benefit, if they meet certain income criteria and are under 18, or under 23 if attending a VA-approved school, or at any age if permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability before age 18.
• Commissary and Exchange Privileges: Eligible children have access to military commissaries and exchanges, offering the opportunity to purchase goods and services at potentially lower prices than the civilian market.
• State Benefits: Many states offer additional benefits for the children of deceased veterans, including educational scholarships, tuition waivers, and special grants for higher education. Check your local VA offices for more information.
• Counseling and Support Services: Bereavement counseling is available to help children deal with the loss of a parent. These services can offer significant emotional and psychological support during a difficult time.

Understand the Full Scope of Your Benefits

• Educational Assistance: Beyond monthly DIC payments, you may also be eligible for education benefits, including scholarships and programs that are designed to assist with tuition, books and living expenses.
• Healthcare: There are various healthcare options available through the VA, such as CHAMPVA, which provides coverage to dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or who died due to service-connected conditions.

Some of them include: 

• Fisher House Foundation – Scholarships for Military Children: This program is funded by Fisher House Foundation, providing scholarships to the children of military members. Over the years, it has awarded millions in scholarship funds to support the education of military children. More details can be found on their website.
• Our Military Kids: This national nonprofit organization offers extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured veterans. These grants are designed to support the children’s well-being and confidence. You can learn more about their mission and the support they provide on their website.