Qualifying for DIC

As of December 1, 2022, VA’s basic monthly rate for DIC payments is $1,562.74. The amount is tax-free and paid to the surviving family member for the rest of his or her life.

Qualifying for DIC benefits can be accomplished in several ways:

• When a service member has died in the line of duty;
• When a Veteran who was already service-connected by VA has died from a service-connected condition, either as the main or contributing cause of the Veteran’s death;
• When a Veteran was service-connected and rated 100% permanently and totally disabled for at least 10 years prior to the Veteran’s death;
• When a Veteran who was not service-connected by VA has died, then the surviving spouse must prove that a service-related condition was the main or contributing cause of the Veteran’s death.

Filing Deadline

Under VA rules, there is no time limit for filing a DIC claim. However, it is important to file a DIC claim as soon as possible to preserve any potential retroactive benefits. If an eligible surviving family member files a DIC claim within one year of the Veteran’s death, then the surviving family member is entitled to receive benefits retroactive to the date of the Veteran’s death.