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The Daily Insight

How do I get my husbands VA benefits?

Author

James Craig

Published Feb 22, 2026

If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ). If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).

Can a spouse receive VA disability benefits?

Spouses of disabled veterans are typically eligible for DIC benefits if they were married to the veteran for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the veteran’s death. The surviving spouse has dependent children under the age of 18; or. The surviving spouse requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

What is a VA Form 21-686c?

Use VA Form 21-686c to submit a claim for additional benefits for a dependent, or to request to remove a dependent from your benefits.

How do I add my wife to my VA benefits?

NOTE: Parents and spouses in common law marriages, cannot be added to your benefits online through eBenefits. To add a parent as a dependent, use VA Form 21-509, Statement of Dependency of Parents and to add a spouse from a common law marriage, submit VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents.

Can you claim stepchildren on VA benefits?

A child that is the biological child of the veteran’s spouse, former spouse, or surviving spouse may qualify for benefits as the veteran’s stepchild. The marital and biological relationship would have to be established, and the veteran must show that the child currently resides in the veteran’s household.

Can a veteran claim a grandchild as a dependent?

To claim your grandchild as a dependent on your VA award, the unmarried child must be legally adopted before the age of 18 or before the age of 23, if the child is attending a VA-approved college or university.

How much does the VA pay for a spouse?

How Much Does VA Pay? The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

When does your spouse get their VA benefits?

There are deadlines for your spouse to receive these benefits. Your spouse should apply for these benefits as soon as possible after your passing. They have until a year after your death to apply. If they apply within a year, benefits are paid retroactively from the date of the veteran’s death.

How to apply for VA pension as a surviving spouse?

Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state. Work with an accredited representative. Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for VA pension benefits as a surviving spouse or child of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.

Who is eligible for benefits from the VA?

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers. As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.

What are the benefits of being a spouse of a veteran?

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.