If a veteran with 100% disability dies, the spouse is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The base rate for DIC received by a surviving spouse in 2024 is $1,612.75 per month. In addition to this payment, the spouse may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. These benefits given to the survivors are tax-exempt. This means taxes will not be deducted from your compensation payments.
Maximum amount a surviving spouse can receive
The maximum amount a surviving spouse or dependent children can receive is dependent on the additional benefits added to the base Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) which is $1,612.75.
| If this description is true… | You may qualify for this benefit | Added monthly amount (in USD) |
| Veteran with 100% disability and unemployability for at least 8 years before their death and you were married to the veteran for those 8 years | 8-year provision | 342.46 |
| You are disabled and unable to perform regular activities like eating, bathing, or dressing | Aid and Attendance | 399.54 |
| The inability for you to leave your house due to disability | Housebound allowance | 187.17 |
| You have 1 or more children who are under 18 | Transitional benefits DIC apportionment rate | 342.00 for the first 2 years after the veteran’s death 399.54 for each eligible child |
How to calculate your DIC payment
If you are a surviving spouse of a veteran with 100% disability, your monthly rate is $1,612.75. Then each additional benefit that you are eligible for will be added to this rate.
For example:
Monthly rate – $1,612.75
8-year provision – $342.46
Child under 18 – $399.54
Aid and Attendance – $399.54
The total amount for the spouse per month = $2754.29
Types of spousal benefits
There are different benefits the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran can enjoy
- Healthcare Benefits for Spouses
The surviving spouse may be entitled to healthcare benefits when a veteran has a permanent 100% disability rating or a permanent classification of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Educational Benefits for Spouses
The spouses of veterans with a permanent TDIU are eligible for educational benefits throughout the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. The time limit for this benefit varies depending on the time of eligibility. For Spouses who had this benefit for a while, the time limit is 10 years, however, spouses who became recently eligible have no time limit for this educational benefit.
The DEA benefits may assist with college, career training certificate programs, apprenticeship, or job training. This benefit is a monthly payment to help with the costs of education.
However, the amount of benefits received is dependent on the type of educational program and the duration of attendance. These benefits are adjusted annually.
