Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax free income-based monthly benefit for the parent(s) of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.

Eligibility

Be the parent of a military Servicemember who died in the line of duty or a Veteran who died of a service-related injury or disease. The term “parent” includes:

• Biological,
• Adoptive, and
• Foster parents

A foster parent is a person who stood in the relationship of a parent to the Veteran for at least one year before the Veteran’s last entry into active service.

The surviving parent(s) must have an income below a limit established by law. The current limit can be found on the Parents DIC rate table page

Evidence Required

The evidence submitted with the claim must show:

• The Servicemember died from an injury or disease while on active duty or in the line of duty while on active duty for training, OR
• The Servicemember died from an injury or certain diseases in the line of duty while on inactive duty training, OR
• The Veteran died from an injury or disease deemed to be related to military service

How to Apply

• Complete VA Form 21-535, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (Including Accrued Benefits and Death Compensation when Applicable) and mail to your regional office OR
• Work with an accredited representative or agent OR
• Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page

For more information on how to apply and for tips on making sure your claim is ready to be processed by VA, visit our How to Apply page.