What is the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program?

The VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program, also known as DIC, is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide financial assistance to family members of military veterans who have died as a result of service-related disabilities or conditions, such as an illness, injury, or disease. This program is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to the surviving spouses, children and parents of veterans who died while serving in the U.S. military, or as a result of their service-related disabilities or conditions. The DIC program provides a monetary benefit to the qualifying family members of veterans, which can include a monthly payment, a lump sum death gratuity, and/or a clothing allowance. To be eligible for DIC, the deceased veteran must have either served 90 days active duty with one day of the service being during a period of war, or have died due to a service-connected disability. The surviving family member must also provide proof of their relationship to the deceased veteran and must not be receiving a pension from the VA based on their own independent income. Additionally, veterans who have died due to a service-related injury or illness may be eligible for other benefits, such as Social Security Death Benefits, burial and funeral benefits, or the Veterans Group Life Insurance policy. Furthermore, the VA will provide certain burial and memorial benefits to the surviving family members of veterans who were not eligible for DIC. In Washington, the DIC program can provide assistance to eligible surviving family members in a number of ways, including giving much needed financial support during a difficult time.

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