VA Survivors Benefits for a Veteran’s Spouse, Children, and Parents

When a veteran passes away, the veteran’s spouse, children, and parents may be eligible for several types of VA survivors benefits.  This article discusses some of those benefits.

Dependency and indemnity compensation

The first type of VA survivors benefit is known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or DIC.  This benefit is available to eligible survivors when the veteran’s death was caused by a service-connected condition or when the veteran was 100% disabled by VA for 10 years or more prior to death.  Find out more about DIC benefits by reading our detailed DIC article here.

Survivor’s pension

Another VA survivors benefits is a survivor’s pension.  The veteran’s spouse and children can be eligible for this benefit.  The requirements of a survivor’s pension are different that the requirements for DIC benefits.  In order to qualify for a survivor’s pension, the recipient must be low income.  The income requirements change year to year.

Also, the veteran must have had a certain period of active duty service with at least one day in an active war period.  It is important to note that the requirement of one day in an active war period does not mean that the veteran had to have been involved in combat operations.  It is generally sufficient if the veteran was simply on active duty while there was a war ongoing.

To find out more about survivor’s pension, read our detailed survivor’s pension article..

Education benefits

Education benefits have been extended to surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty since September 1, 2001.  Those spouses may be eligible for 36 months of financial assistance for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, housing, books, and school supplies.

This educational benefit known as the Fry Scholarship had previously only been available to children. There are deadlines for when the benefit must be used.  More information about eligibility and the assistance provided by the Fry Scholarship can be found here.

Questions

There are many types of benefits available to survivors of veterans. Sometimes, survivors may be eligible for more than one type of benefit. It is important to understand that these benefits can affect each other. For example, children who start receiving the Fry Scholarship will have to give up their DIC benefits, but spouses generally do not. If you have questions about survivors benefits, please give us a call or complete the “Need Help” form to schedule a free consultation.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

My experience with the team at Perkins Studdard LLC was nothing short of outstanding.Jason Perkins handled my case with the upmost professionalism. It has been emotionally and physically exhausting for me, but Jason Perkins and his team helped me thru it. Their service was exceptional and the Paralegal Staff was always courteous and prompt in their response time which made it more bearable.I am truly grateful for their patient and caring spirit and I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC .........Thanks so much, CherylCheryl Brown
We would highly recommend Perkins Studdard to everyone, they are very professional, personable and efficient. They have stood by our side during out VA disability case until we got our claim rewarded at 100%, more than we ever dreamed of. Travis is very experienced attorney and has an awesome demeanor with getting your case settled. Jessica his assistant is the smartest, sweetest asset to the firm. She's highly experienced in VA benefits, being a veteran herself. They always took our calls, questions and got us the answers we needed. Again, highly recommend the law firm of Perkins Studdard!!Janene Schoonover
Mr Perkins has helped me on two workers comp cases. Twenty years apart. Jason and his staff have taken care of everything I needed. They are very professional and I would highly recommend them.Chris Chapman
I highly recommend Perkins Studdard law office to any one looking for a Worker's Compensation attorney. The knowledge and professionalism that the entire staff gives to you is amazing. Jason is down to earth and makes your experience feel so much better, he takes alot of the worry off of your shoulders. Definitely would hire this firm again if needed!!Lori Clark
I had an outstanding experience with Perkins Studdard LLC for my workers’ compensation case. Jason Perkins and his team were incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain every step, answered all my questions promptly, and ensured I understood my rights. Their dedication led to a successful outcome, and I felt supported the entire way through. I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC to anyone in need of a skilled and caring workers’ compensation attorney.Breezie I B
Travis Studdard is an outstanding attorney. I had given up on my VA claim over ten years go. Travis revived my claim and was able to get me secondary service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to residuals of septoplasty). I am thrilled at the results. Travis was able to expertly navigate the VA system to reach a positive result. I very, very highly recommend Perkins Studdard.Ilya Poluektov
My name is Vernita Smith, I endured a I jury on my job in 2019, I got a little discourage not knowing what to do regarding this matter. One day I researched online for myself. I researched Workman's Comp Lawyers in Atlanta, there were several pulled up, but for some reason I chose Perkins StuddardLLC. I can truly say Mr. Jason and his entire staff has been there and guided me every step of the way. It was a blessing 🙏 for me to have found 🙏 this Company. Mr.Jason and his staff members was always caring, kind, helpful, pleasant everytime I spoke with them. I would highly recommend this company to my family ❤️ and anyone who needs ❤️ assistance. So I thank you so much to Mr. Jason and his entire staff. May God continue 🙏 to bless you 🙏 to be able to serve 🙏 many people all over the world.🙏 💞🙏🥰🙏💞 💞Best regards💞 Vernita SmithVernita Smith
My deepest thanks to Travis Studdard, Jessica Hyatt and their team at Perkins Studdard! My odyssey with the VA began after my Marine Corps career ended and has gone on well over a decade. I initially worked on my claim myself but after 6 years, yes 6 years, of fighting with the VA, I was finally at the end of what I thought was a hopeless battle. Then I came across Perkins Studdard LLC while on Facebook and decided, what did I have to lose, so I gave them a call and had a conversation with Travis. He was very helpful, honest, and frank in his advise to me and thankfully he decided to take my case. He took a completely different strategy than the one I had been employing and with his expertise, once my case and multiple appeals had finally been settled, I received everything he promised and everything I deserved. The only thing I would have changed...I would have hired Perkins Studdard when I first intended to file a claim with the VA, rather than try to do it myself. Thank you and Semper Fi Rich LarsenRichard Larsen
Throughout Mr. Perkins's engagement as legal counsel, from initial contact to case resolution, the firm consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency. His instructional materials were easily comprehensible, and both he and his staff provided clear and concise explanations at every stage. His representation was highly effective. I wholeheartedly recommend his services; he is both diligent and fair.Carol
My experience with this firm was great. My VA claim was handled in a professional way resulting in a very positive result. They handled all of the paperwork and kept me informed of anything that I needed to do or know about. I highly recommend Perkin Studdard to handle your VA claim. Msgt USMC retiredFrank Desselle

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