Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
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.
Eligibility (Surviving Spouse)
To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet the requirements below.
The surviving spouse was:
- 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
- Married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the Veteran's death began or was aggravated, OR
- Was married to the Veteran for 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, AND
- Is not currently remarried
Note: A surviving spouse who remarries on or after December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.
Eligibility (Surviving Child)
- Not included on the surviving spouse's DIC, AND
- Unmarried, AND
- Under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.
For additional information please visit:
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Information
MyArmyBenefits Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Military.com Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Information