Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Comprehensive support and benefits you've earned through your loved one's service
You Are Not Alone
As a surviving spouse of a veteran, you have earned benefits through your loved one's service and sacrifice. This page outlines the key benefits available to you, including financial assistance, healthcare, education, and housing support.
Need Help Now?
VA Survivors Helpline: 1-800-827-1000
Monday-Friday, 8am-9pm ET
A tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses when a veteran dies from a service-connected condition or was totally disabled under certain conditions.
Current Rates (December 2024)
Base rate for surviving spouse
Additional Amounts May Include:
- ✓Increases based on number of dependent children
- ✓Aid & Attendance benefit if you need regular help with daily activities
- ✓Housebound benefit if you're substantially confined to your home
- ✓Additional amounts if veteran was totally disabled for many years
Eligible surviving spouses can obtain a VA-backed home loan to purchase, refinance, build, or improve a home with significant advantages.
Key Benefits
- •No down payment required
- •No private mortgage insurance
- •Favorable interest rates
- •No VA funding fee for many surviving spouses
How to Apply
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) using VA Form 26-1817, then work with a VA-approved lender.
Get StartedThe VA provides burial allowances to help cover funeral, burial, plot, and transportation costs.
Service-Connected Death
Burial allowance for deaths from service-connected disabilities
Additional Benefits Include:
- ✓Headstones, markers, and memorial plaques
- ✓Burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate
- ✓Burial in VA national cemetery (if eligible)
- ✓Some benefits process automatically - no separate filing needed
If the veteran was a wartime veteran and you meet income/asset limits, the VA Survivors Pension(a needs-based, tax-free benefit) may be available.
Important Note
You typically cannot receive both Survivors Pension and DIC - one is chosen based on eligibility and benefit value. The VA will help you determine which provides the greater benefit.
Additional Amounts Available For:
- ✓Aid & Attendance if you need regular help with daily activities
- ✓Housebound status if substantially confined to your home
Surviving spouses may be eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35), providing a monthly stipend for education, training, certification, and apprenticeships.
Recent Update (August 2023)
For those who became eligible on or after August 1, 2023, the time limitation for using these benefits may be removed, providing more flexibility.
Approved Programs Include:
- ✓College and university degrees
- ✓Vocational and technical training
- ✓Professional certifications
- ✓Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
If you don't qualify for TRICARE, you may qualify for CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA), which works like health insurance with cost-sharing and deductibles.
Coverage Includes
- •Mental health services
- •Surgeries and hospitalizations
- •Prescription medications
- •Durable medical equipment
- •Skilled nursing care
- •Hospice care
How It Works
CHAMPVA shares costs with you - you pay a portion (deductible and cost-share), and CHAMPVA pays the rest. It provides comprehensive coverage similar to private health insurance.
CHAMPVA DetailsImportant 2023 Law Change
Congress eliminated the previous offset rules that reduced Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments when receiving DIC. Qualifying surviving spouses may now receive both SBP and DIC concurrently, rather than having DIC payments reduce SBP.
This means you could potentially receive your full military retirement survivor benefits (SBP) plus your full VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) without one offsetting the other.
Learn More About SBPMany states offer additional benefits specifically for surviving spouses of disabled veterans.
Property Tax Benefits
Many states offer property tax exemptions or waivers for surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans. Check with your county tax assessor's office.
Education Benefits
State or local education scholarships, tuition waivers, or other benefits may be available depending on where you live. Contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs.
Vehicle Registration
Some states waive vehicle registration fees or offer discounted specialty license plates for surviving spouses.
Navigating these benefits can be complex. Free help is available through accredited representatives.
VA Benefits Hotline
1-800-827-1000
Mon-Fri, 8am-9pm ET
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis: Call 988, then Press 1
Or text 838255 | Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
Ask questions and get personalized assistance