What Benefits Does a Military Widow Lose if She Remarries?
When a military widow remarries, she may face significant changes to her benefits and entitlements. As a military widow, she has likely received benefits and support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government agencies. However, remarriage can affect her eligibility for these benefits, leading to a reduction or loss of benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits that a military widow may lose if she remarries.
Survivor Benefits
One of the most significant benefits that a military widow may lose if she remarries is her survivor benefit. The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free benefit paid to the surviving spouse of a military service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected condition. The DIC benefit is paid in addition to any other benefits the service member may have been receiving at the time of their death. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for the DIC benefit.
Death Gratuity Payment
The Death Gratuity Payment is a one-time payment made to the surviving spouse of a service member who dies in the line of duty. The payment is intended to help the family with immediate expenses, such as funeral costs and other financial obligations. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for the Death Gratuity Payment.
Burial Benefits
Military widows who are eligible for burial benefits may lose these benefits if they remarry. The Burial Allowance is a benefit paid to help cover the cost of burial and funeral expenses. The Headstone and Marker benefit provides a government-provided headstone or marker for the service member’s grave. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for these burial benefits.
Education Benefits
Military widows may also lose education benefits if they remarry. The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education benefits to eligible survivors of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for these education benefits.
Health Benefits
Military widows who are eligible for health benefits through the Tricare program may lose these benefits if they remarry. Tricare is a health insurance program for military service members, veterans, and their families. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for Tricare benefits.
Other Benefits
In addition to these benefits, a military widow may also lose other benefits if she remarries, including:
- Home Loan Guarantees: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees home loans for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for these home loan guarantees.
- Auto and Other Loan Guarantees: The VA also guarantees loans for vehicles and other personal property. If a military widow remarries, she will no longer be eligible for these loan guarantees.
- Life Insurance: Military widows who are eligible for life insurance benefits through the Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program may lose these benefits if they remarry.
Exceptions to Remarriage Rules
While remarriage can lead to a loss of benefits, there are some exceptions to these rules. For example:
- Widows who are caring for a child: If a military widow is caring for a child under the age of 18 (or 23 if the child is a full-time student), she may be eligible for continued benefits even if she remarries.
- Widows who are 57 or older: If a military widow is 57 or older, she may be eligible for continued benefits even if she remarries.
- Widows who are receiving a VA pension: If a military widow is receiving a VA pension, she may be eligible for continued benefits even if she remarries.
Conclusion
Remarriage can have significant consequences for military widows, including a loss of benefits and entitlements. While the loss of benefits can be difficult, there are some exceptions to these rules. Military widows who are considering remarriage should carefully review their benefits and entitlements to understand the potential impact of remarriage on their financial situation.
