This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
DIC Eligibility Check
Based on Dependency and Indemnity Compensation eligibility at 38 U.S.C. § 1310 and 38 CFR § 3.5. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 U.S.C. § 1310 (DIC for service-connected death), 38 CFR § 3.5 (DIC definitions), VA.gov DIC
Answer a few questions to check whether surviving family members may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)[src]. DIC terms are defined in 38 CFR § 3.5[src].
Support after trauma
Veterans and their families may have complex histories. If this applies to your family's experience, the VA provides counseling and survivor-side support for military sexual trauma regardless of service-connection rating, and the same support extends to many family members navigating a veteran's care. Our MST navigation page explains what may be available, including no-cost MST-related care, MST Coordinators at every VA facility, and Vet Center readjustment counseling.
If you or someone in your family needs to talk with someone now, the DoD Safe Helpline is 1-877-995-5247 and the Veterans Crisis Line is 988, press 1. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.