What is the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Who Qualifies?
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. http://benefits.va.gov/compensation/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp
Who Qualifies for DIC?
If you are a surviving spouse, you must meet the following requirements to qualify for DIC:
- Married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. OR
- Validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957. OR
- The marriage of the Veteran occured within 15 years of discharge. OR
- The veterans marriage lasted at least one year. OR
- Had a child with the Veteran.
- And cohabited with the Veteran continuously until the Veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation.
- Currently. the spouse has not remarried.
What if I have remarried?
Entitled to continue to receive DIC are surviving spouses who remarry on or after December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57.
Is a Surviving Child eligible for DIC?
Entitled to receive DIC are children who unmarried, and under 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.
What is the Evidence Required to obtain the DIC benefit?
- The Servicemember died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR
- The Veteran died from an injury or disease deemed to be related to military service, OR
- The Veteran died from a non service-related injury or disease, but was receiving, OR was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling
- For at least 10 years immediately before death, OR
- Since the Veteran’s release from active duty and for at least five years immediately preceding death, OR
- For at least one year before death if the Veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999
If you have been denied your DIC benefits, Cameron Firm PC has certified Veteran Appeals Lawyers on staff who will fight with you to secure the benefits you deserve. We understand the sacrifices you have made. Call our office today at 800-861-7262 for a free consultation. We are here to help you.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. Subsequently, it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
