Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of active duty service members and survivors of those veterans whose deaths are determined by VA to be service-related. This payment is a flat monthly payment, regardless of other income. The payment is payable for the life of the spouse, provided the spouse does not remarry before age 57; however, should a remarriage end, DIC benefits can be reinstated. This payment is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases and is non-taxable. VA adds a monthly transitional payment to the surviving spouse with minor children for the first two years of DIC entitlement or until the last child turns age 18, whichever occurs first. See http://benefits.va.gov/Compensation/current_rates_dic.asp for current payment amounts.

Veterans with certain disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation such as:

Aid and Attendance and Housebound payments, which are an allowance to veterans and dependents who are in need of regular aid and attendance by another person, or a veteran who is permanently housebound; and

reimbursement for unusual medical expenses.