Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Tax-free $1,699.36/month (2026) for surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected conditions.
Who qualifies: Survivors & family members.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of:
• Service members who died while on active duty
• Veterans who died from a service-connected injury or disease
• Veterans rated permanently and totally disabled for 10+ years at time of death
2026 Rates:
• Surviving spouse base rate: $1,699.36/month
• Additional $360.85/month if veteran was rated 100% for 8+ continuous years before death (and spouse was married during that period)
• Additional $359/month for first 2 years if surviving spouse has children under 18
• Children's DIC also available
DIC is separate from Survivors Pension – a survivor may qualify for both or either.