DIC, VETERANS BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS
Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) is a benefit for surviving spouses or dependent children of deceased veterans. It seems straightforward enough, but many families struggle to collect DIC benefits they are entitled to.
At Martin Law, our attorneys handle appeals for surviving spouses seeking compensation for the loss of a husband or wife. We serve veterans and families in Philadelphia and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
DIC Eligibility For Surviving Spouces
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, a surviving spouse must meet one of the following requirements to collect dependency and indemnity compensation:
- The spouse was married to a veteran who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training.
- The spouse was married to the veteran for at least one year.
- The spouse married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from service in which the medical condition that caused the death began or was aggravated.
- The spouse married the veteran before Jan. 1, 1957.
- The surviving applicant had a child with the veteran and cohabitated with him or her continuously until the veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault and is not currently remarried.
DIC Eligibility For Dependent Children
The VA has the following eligibility requirements for a surviving child to receive dependency and indemnity compensation:
- The child is not included on the surviving spouse’s DIC.
- The child is unmarried.
- The child is under 18 or between 18 and 23 and attending school.
Parents can even apply for death pension benefits after the death of a veteran child if they were financially dependent on him or her. Other cases may involve special monthly compensation (SMC) or special survivor indemnity allowance (SSIA). If your application has been denied or undervalued, call Martin Law for help.
Lawyer Assisting With Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
At Martin Law, our law firm understands that DIC benefit eligibility can be complicated and contentious. Our staff of accomplished veterans benefits attorneys will help you get what you deserve.
For a free consultation with a Pennsylvania attorney at Martin Law, contact our lawyers online. You may also call 215.587.8400.