Dependency and Indemnity (DIC)
What Is DIC?
DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of a:
• Military service member who died while on active duty, OR
• Veteran whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease, OR
• Veteran whose death resulted from a non service-related injury or disease, and who was receiving, or was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling for at least 10 years immediately before death, OR since the veteran’s release from active duty and for at least five years immediately preceding death, OR for at least one year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999.
Who is Eligible?
The surviving spouse if he or she:
- validly married the veteran before January 1, 1957, OR
- was married to a service member who died on active duty, OR
- married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the veteran’s death began or was aggravated, OR
- was married to the veteran for at least one year, OR
- had a child with the veteran, AND
- cohabited with the veteran continuously until the veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation, AND
- is not currently remarried.*
*Note: A surviving spouse who remarries on or after December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.
What is the Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
Who is eligible for the Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
When the family can submit a claim without help.
What is a Veterans Benefits Consultant?
When a family should use a Veterans Benefits Consultant.
Using aid & attendance to pay any person for care at home, for professional home care, for assisted living, or to pay for a nursing home.
The application process for aid and attendance Pension.
Why are less than 5% of all veterans & their surviving spouses receiving a benefit?
The National Care Planning Council, we promote and support planning for long term care.
An individual acting as a consultant must be careful not to violate any federal statutes and VA regulations pertaining to representation of veteran claimants. At the NCPC, we recognize our responsibility to assist you regarding these matters & have ensured that this package offers extensive guidance on what we believe constitutes a compliant veterans benefits consulting practice. Integrity & honesty are at the heart of our business. We expect those who purchase this package to maintain high ethical standards in all areas of their consulting practices. Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude and support for those who display stewardship, compassion, care, & integrity while working with seniors & thier families.
