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Surviving family members of veterans and service members are eligible to receive a range of VA benefits such as health care, funding for education, monetary compensation and assistance with burial costs.
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Figuring out how to access VA benefits for survivors can be complicated and confusing because each of the many benefit types has its own eligibility and application requirements.
Here’s how to learn about what you can claim and how to apply.
Health care
For spouses and dependent children, and surviving spouses and children
There are several health care benefits for family members of veterans and service members. The main health care program is Tricare, run by the Department of Defense. Those not eligible for Tricare may qualify for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), a cost-sharing program run by the VA.
There are additional programs related to service-connected disabilities, including the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which provides a range of benefits for caregivers.
The VA keeps a handy page with links to each program. To get Tricare benefits, first check eligibility, and then make sure you and your family members are registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
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Monetary benefits
For surviving spouses, children or parents
Surviving family members of a service member who died in the line of duty or of a veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness may be eligible to receive tax-free cash assistance known as VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). The amount you can get depends on the type of survivor you are. How to apply also depends, with a different form required for each scenario. Learn how to apply on the VA’s DIC page.
Some surviving spouses and children of a veteran who served during wartime may also be eligible for monthly pension benefits. Read about eligibility on the VA’s Survivors Pension page.
Education and training
For spouses and dependent children, and surviving spouses and children
The VA’s Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program (also called Chapter 35) is comprised of two G.I. Bill programs for veterans’ surviving spouses and dependents: The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. These programs are for children and spouses of service members who died in the line or duty or from a service-related condition, and in the case of the DEA, disabled veterans.
