Who qualifies for DIC?

Details

• Surviving spouse: generally must have married the veteran within 15 years of the veteran's separation from the service period during which the disease or injury causing death began or was aggravated, or have been married at least one year, or have had a child with the veteran, per 38 CFR § 3.54.
• Dependent children: unmarried, under 18 (or under 23 if in a VA-approved school program), or permanently incapable of self-support before age 18.
• Dependent parents: DIC for parents is income-based and uses a different formula than spousal or child DIC.
• Because eligibility turns on marriage dates, cohabitation history, and the specific cause of death, VA's decision in any individual case cannot be predicted in advance.