VA deposited disability payment after the veteran died. What now?

Details

• VA compensation and pension stop as of the last day of the month before the veteran's death under 38 CFR § 3.500(g).
• A payment issued for the month of death or later is commonly reviewed to determine whether it is an overpayment or a permitted survivor benefit.
• Contact VA or your bank before spending the funds, since an overpayment can later be demanded back from the account.
• If VA confirms it is the month-of-death benefit, it is a one-time payment to an eligible surviving spouse, not a continuing payment.
• Keep records of any correspondence from VA or your bank (such as a Treasury reclamation notice) describing the payment.