Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Service-Connected Death (64.110)
Program
64.110 Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Service-Connected Death
Federal Agency
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Authorization
38 U.S.C. 1310, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1318.
Program Number
64.110
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To compensate surviving spouses, children and parents for the death of any veteran who died because of a service-connected disability, or while in the active military, naval or air service.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
No restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
An unmarried surviving spouse, unmarried children, and parent or parents of the deceased veteran who died on or after January 1, 1957, because of a service-connected disability. Survivors of veterans who died prior to January 1, 1957, while serving on active duty may elect to receive DIC. DIC payments may be authorized for surviving spouse and children of certain veterans who were totally service-connected disabled at time of death and whose deaths were not the result of their service-connected disability. Income restrictions are applied for parents. DIC payments may also be authorized for a surviving spouse who remarried, if that remarriage is terminated by death, divorce, or annulment.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Surviving spouses, children and parents of deceased veterans.
Credentials/Documentation
Death certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate(s), and military discharge certificate.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An application (VA Form 21-534 for surviving spouses, and or children; 21-535 for parents) may be obtained from any VA office or regional office (see Appendix IV of the Catalog) and submitted to the regional office.
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized at the regional office.
Deadlines
None, but entitlement is established from the first day of the month in which the veteran's death occurred if the claim is received within 1 year after the date of death; otherwise, entitlement is established from the date of receipt of the laim.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Available through special board. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Any change in the marital status of a surviving spouse, child, or parent must be reported promptly. Also, a change in school attendance of children over 18 must be reported. Parents must report changes in income promptly. Parents are sent an eligibility verification report to review continued eligibility and changes of rates based on changes of income.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2001, 306,036 cases of survivors were receiving benefits. Estimates for subsequent periods are: fiscal year 2002, 309,812 and fiscal year 2003, 314,266.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0102-0-1-701.
Obligations
(Direct Payments) FY 02 $1,737,651,000; FY 03 est 2,282,978,000; and FY 04 est $2,719,893,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Monthly rates of DIC range from $402 for one child when no spouse is entitled; from $948 to $2,168 for a surviving spouse, with $237 additional if the surviving spouse is in need of aid and attendance, or $113 if housebound. A surviving spouse is also entitled to an additional $237 monthly for each child under age 18. Monthly rates for parents range from $5 to $464 depending upon income and whether single or married. An additional $250 is payable if the parent is in need of aid and attendance.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
38 CFR 3.5; "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-00-1, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 051-000-00220-2.
Related Programs
64.102, Compensation for Service-Connected Deaths for Veterans' Dependents; 64.117, Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for Veterans Benefits Administration field offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273-7203.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
