What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and how do I qualify for it?

Question: What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and how do I qualify for it?

Answer: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.  In order to apply for DIC in Sarasota or Manatee County, contact Terry Acton at 941-861-2899.  At the time of application, you will be required to supply documentation that substantiates that the surviving spouse qualifies for the benefit.  A surviving spouse can qualify for DIC if the surviving spouse was either: (1) Married to a service member who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; OR (2) Validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957; OR (3) 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 (4) Was married to the Veteran for at least one year, OR (5) Had a child with the Veteran.  In addition, the surviving spouse must have (1) cohabited with the Veteran continuously until the Veteran’s death or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation AND (2) 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. The VA is now recognizing same sex legally married couples for all VA benefits.

If you need legal advice for VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid planning, estate planning, probate or trust administration, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.