DIC is a monthly payment made to surviving spouses (who have not remarried), unmarried minor children (under 18), helpless children, children between 18 and 23 if attending a Veterans Affairs (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:
- A disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training;
- An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty training; or by
- 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.