VetCV Resource Library

VetCV Resource Library - VA Benefits that pass on to Families

VetCV's List of VA Benefits that you may be able to pass on to your family. This section was originally inspired by a question from a surviving spouse of a Vietnam Veteran who was killed in the line of duty and yes, she was indeed be eligible for several VA benefits, depending on their specific circumstances. There are also some “remarriage” specific requirements though, we have tried to link the key possible circumstances based on the type of benefit below. There may be more types of benefits than the ones listed so we strongly recommend you talk to VA too.

To assist you in better understanding potential eligibility for benefits, we broke six of them down step by step. We didn’t put them in any specific order and you may see there are some you won’t need.

Families may be eligible for these VA benefits:

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
CHAMPVA - Civilian Health and Medical Program
Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
Home Loan Guarantee
Survivors Pension
Burial Benefits & Assistance

Check the Tabs below for details

Steps to Apply for VA Benefits:

Gather necessary documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, Veteran’s service records, death certificate, and proof of income if applying for needs-based benefits).
Submit an application through the VA website, by mail, or at a local VA office.
Contact a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for assistance.

Key Takeaways:

If she remarried after age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003, she may retain or regain eligibility for DIC and certain other benefits.
If she remarried and the marriage later ended, she may regain eligibility for many VA benefits, including the Survivors Pension and CHAMPVA.
Documentation is required to verify remarriage dates and/or the termination of the subsequent marriage.
If any of these benefits or if you want to see if there are other benefits she may be eligible for, I recommend we set up a meeting with my local VA contact.

How to Apply or Reconfirm Eligibility

Contact the VA:
Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for personalized assistance and to confirm eligibility based on your circumstances.
Visit a Veteran Service Officer (VSO):
A VSO can help you navigate the application or reinstatement process at no cost.
Submit Applications Online or by Mail:
Use VA Form 21P-534EZ for DIC and Survivor’s Pension benefits.
Use VA Form 10-10d to reinstate CHAMPVA benefits.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or illness.

Eligibility Requirements:
The Veteran’s death was caused by a service-connected condition, or
The Veteran was receiving or entitled to receive VA disability compensation for a service-connected condition rated as totally disabling for a specific period before death (usually 10 years).

A surviving spouse who remarries after the age of 57 and on or after December 16, 2003, is still eligible to receive DIC benefits.

Important Details:
The remarriage must meet both the age and date requirements.
If the surviving spouse remarried earlier than this age or date but later became single again (through divorce, annulment, or death of the subsequent spouse), they may regain eligibility.
Eligibility Factors:
Confirm the age and remarriage date.
Were you 57 or older when you remarried?
Did your remarriage occur on or after December 16, 2003?
If remarriage ended (death, divorce, or annulment), she may be eligible regardless of the remarriage date.
Documentation Needed:
Death certificate of the Vietnam Veteran spouse.
Marriage certificate of any subsequent marriage.
Proof of remarriage ending, if applicable (divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate).

VA Health Care

The widow may qualify for CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs), which helps cover medical care costs.

Eligibility Requirements:
The Veteran’s death must be service-connected.
Eligibility for CHAMPVA is typically lost upon remarriage. However, if the remarriage ends by death, divorce, or annulment, CHAMPVA eligibility may be reinstated.
Eligibility Factors:
Eligibility ends upon remarriage unless remarriage is terminated.
Action:
Provide documentation verifying termination of remarriage and current marital status.

Education & Training Benefits

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program may provide education and training opportunities (Chapter 35). Provides education and training benefits to eligible surviving spouses and dependents.

Eligibility Requirements:
The Veteran’s death must be service-connected.
Eligibility After Remarriage:
Before Age 57:
Remarriage typically disqualifies you from using DEA benefits.
If remarriage has ended (due to divorce, annulment, or death), eligibility can be reinstated.
After Age 57:
If you remarried on or after January 1, 2004, you remain eligible for DEA benefits.
Action:
Confirm Eligibility:
Gather the following:
Your first spouse's death certificate.
Marriage and divorce/annulment certificates (if remarriage occurred and ended).
Check your existing DEA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if previously issued.
Apply or Reapply for Benefits:
Use VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance).
If reinstating benefits after remarriage, include documentation showing termination of remarriage.
Submit Your Application:
Online: Through the VA’s eBenefits Portal.
By mail: Send the completed form to your regional VA office.
In person: Visit a local VA regional office or Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for help.
Choose an Approved Program or School:
DEA benefits cover tuition and fees for degree programs, career training, and certifications at VA-approved institutions.
Find eligible schools using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
Contact VA for Assistance
Call the Education Benefits Hotline: 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM ET).
They can provide direct assistance with eligibility, applications, and finding approved education programs.

Home Loan Benefits

Surviving spouses may be eligible for a VA-backed home loan to purchase, refinance, or modify a home.

Eligibility Requirements:
The widow must not have remarried (unless remarriage occurred after age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003).

A surviving spouse may still be eligible for VA Home Loan benefits if they remarry after the age of 57 and on or after December 16, 2003.

Important Details:
This exception mirrors the rule for DIC.
Surviving spouses who remarry and later become single again may also regain eligibility.
Eligibility Factors:
Eligibility retained if remarriage occurred after age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003.
Eligibility reinstated if remarriage ends.
Action:
Contact the VA Home Loan Guaranty Service to verify certificate of eligibility status.
Go to the VetCV Housing & Homeownership page to learn more about VA loans

HOUSING & HOMEOWNERSHIP

Survivors Pension

This is a needs-based benefit for low-income, surviving spouses of wartime Veterans.

Eligibility Requirements:
The deceased Veteran served during a period of war.
The widow’s income and net worth are within the limits set by Congress.
The widow has not remarried (unless remarriage meets specific exceptions).

A surviving spouse may retain eligibility for a VA Survivors Pension if they remarry but the marriage is later terminated by death, divorce, or annulment.

Important Details:
If the remarriage ends, eligibility for the Survivors Pension can be reinstated.
Proof of the termination of the remarriage must be provided.
Eligibility Factors:
Surviving spouses must demonstrate financial need.
Remarriage typically disqualifies you unless:
The subsequent marriage ended, regardless of reason.
Action:
Gather proof of income and assets (to meet financial need requirements).
Provide documentation showing the termination of the second marriage.