When a veteran passes away, their surviving children may be eligible for certain benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other programs. These benefits can provide financial assistance, healthcare, education support and other resources to help children of deceased veterans maintain financial stability and benefit from various opportunities.
Eligibility for these benefits depends on several factors, including the parent veteran’s service history, the circumstances of their death and the child’s age and status.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
One of the most significant benefits available to surviving children is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This is a tax-free monthly payment provided to the children of veterans who:
- Died while on active duty, in the line of duty, or from a service-connected disability
- Had a total and permanent service-connected disability rating for a certain period before their death
To qualify, children must be:
- Under 18 (or under 23 if attending a VA-approved school)
- Unmarried
- Not included in a surviving spouse’s DIC benefits
In some cases, children with permanent disabilities that developed before age 18 may qualify for lifetime benefits.
Survivors pension (death pension)
The VA Survivors Pension is available to low-income, unmarried children of deceased veterans who served during wartime. Unlike DIC, this benefit is based on financial need and is available only if the child’s income falls within VA limits. The pension amount varies based on the child’s income and any additional support they receive.
Educational and training benefits and more
Surviving children may also qualify for education benefits under the Fry Scholarship or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program:
- Fry Scholarship – Available to children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. It covers full in-state tuition, housing and book stipends under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- DEA Program – Provides monthly financial assistance for college, vocational training or apprenticeships for children of veterans who are permanently disabled due to service or died from service-connected causes.
Additional benefits
- CHAMPVA Healthcare Coverage – If the veteran was permanently disabled or died from a service-related cause, surviving children may be eligible for CHAMPVA, which helps cover medical expenses.
- State-Specific Benefits – Many states offer additional assistance, including tuition waivers, scholarships and financial aid for surviving children.
Applying for benefits
Applying for VA benefits isn’t easy. Thankfully, no one has to manage it alone. Seeking personalized legal assistance is always an option.