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Does spouse get military disability benefits after death?

Does Spouse Get Military Disability Benefits After Death?

When a service member dies as a result of their military service, their spouse and dependents may be eligible for various benefits, including disability compensation. In this article, we will explore whether a spouse can receive military disability benefits after the service member’s death.

What is Military Disability Benefits?

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Military disability benefits are payments made to veterans who have been injured or become ill as a result of their military service. These benefits are intended to compensate the veteran for their service-connected disabilities, allowing them to maintain a level of independence and quality of life.

Who is Eligible for Military Disability Benefits?

Military disability benefits are typically available to:

  • Service members who are currently serving or have been honorably discharged
  • Veterans who have been deemed disabled as a result of their military service
  • Surviving spouses and dependents of service members who died as a result of their military service

Do Spouses Get Military Disability Benefits After Death?

Yes, a spouse can receive military disability benefits after the service member’s death. This benefit is known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). DIC is a tax-free monthly payment made to the surviving spouse and dependents of a service member who died while on active duty or as a result of their military service.

How Does DIC Work?

DIC is calculated based on the service member’s military pay at the time of death. The amount of DIC varies depending on the pay grade and years of service. Here is a general breakdown of the DIC rates:

Pay GradeDIC Rate
O-1 to O-9$1,369.04
E-1 to E-9$1,146.69
Warrant Officer$1,369.04

What is Required to Receive DIC?

To receive DIC, the service member must have died while on active duty or as a result of their military service. The service member’s death must be service-connected, meaning it was caused or aggravated by their military service.

How Do Surviving Spouses Apply for DIC?

To apply for DIC, the surviving spouse must submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The application can be completed online or by mail. The spouse will need to provide documentation, including:

Other Benefits Available to Surviving Spouses

In addition to DIC, surviving spouses may be eligible for other benefits, including:

  • Burial Benefits: The VA provides burial benefits, including a gravesite, headstone, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.
  • Survivor Benefits: The Department of Defense (DoD) provides survivor benefits, including education assistance, housing assistance, and health insurance.
  • Death Gratuity: The DoD provides a one-time death gratuity payment of $100,000 to the service member’s survivors.
  • FERS Special Death Benefits: The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides special death benefits to the surviving spouse and dependents of FERS retirees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, a spouse can receive military disability benefits after the service member’s death through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The DIC rate varies based on the service member’s pay grade and years of service. To apply for DIC, the surviving spouse must submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs and provide required documentation. In addition to DIC, surviving spouses may be eligible for other benefits, including burial benefits, survivor benefits, death gratuity, and FERS special death benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • DIC is a tax-free monthly payment made to the surviving spouse and dependents of a service member who died while on active duty or as a result of their military service.
  • The service member’s death must be service-connected to be eligible for DIC.
  • To apply for DIC, the surviving spouse must submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs and provide required documentation.
  • Surviving spouses may be eligible for other benefits, including burial benefits, survivor benefits, death gratuity, and FERS special death benefits.

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