DIC is a monthly payment made to surviving spouses (who have not remarried – see below), unmarried minor children (under 18), helpless children, children between 18 and 23 if attending a VA-approved school and also to low-income parents of deceased service members or veterans.

Eligibility Requirements

The deceased service member must have died from:

1. A disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training;
2. An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty training; or by
3. A disability compensable by the VA.

Death cannot be due to willful misconduct.

When a spouse remarries, eligibility may be restored if the marriage is later terminated by divorce or death.