What is the VA month-of-death benefit?

Details

• It applies to the veteran's rate of compensation or pension for the specific month of death, not an ongoing monthly payment.
• It is generally payable to a surviving spouse; other survivors may not qualify for this particular benefit.
• This benefit is distinct from any deposit that turns out to be an overpayment of the veteran's terminated award.
• VA typically addresses this automatically or in connection with a survivor's DIC/accrued benefits application (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
• Because the rules turn on the specific facts and dates involved, VA determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.