{"id":21438,"date":"2023-02-09T18:50:47","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T23:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=21438"},"modified":"2025-12-09T11:22:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T16:22:13","slug":"va-dependency-indemnity-compensation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/veterans\/va-benefits\/va-dependency-indemnity-compensation\/","title":{"rendered":"VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"what\">What Is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p>VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a type of financial benefit paid out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to surviving loved ones of veterans who passed away from a service-connected disability.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Mesothelioma VA DIC pays out <strong>$1,699.35 per month or more<\/strong>\u00a0to most surviving spouses in 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If your spouse or parent was a veteran and died from <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> cancer, you may be entitled to VA DIC benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>VA DIC can be used to help pay for:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Food<\/li>\n<li>Funeral and burial expenses<\/li>\n<li>Housing<\/li>\n<li>Medical care<\/li>\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\n<li>Any other expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>Learn how our team can help you or a loved one file for VA benefits by downloading our <strong>Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"who\">How Do You Qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p>Surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who passed away from service-related mesothelioma may qualify for VA DIC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To receive VA DIC, you must be able to prove at least one of the following is true:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The service member passed away while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive-duty training.<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The service member died due to a service-related injury or illness.<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>If the service member did not die because of a service-related injury or illness, they were eligible for VA compensation due to a service-related disability that was rated \u201ctotally disabling.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A \u201ctotally disabling\u201d injury is defined as one that prevents the veteran from being able to work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If a veteran was eligible for VA compensation because of a 100% disability, they must have had this rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For at least 10 years before their death<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>For at least 5 years before their death and after their release from active duty<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>For at least 1 year before their death (if they were a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Surviving spouses and children must also meet unique VA requirements to receive DIC.<\/p>\n<h3>Eligibility Requirements for Spouses<\/h3>\n<p>If you are the husband or wife of a veteran who died of service-related mesothelioma, you may be eligible for VA DIC payments.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may qualify for VA DIC if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You lived with the service member without break until the time of their death.<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>You were separated, but you were not at fault for the separation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Additionally, at least one of the following must apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You married the service member within 15 years of their discharge (from the period of service in which the service member\u2019s injury or illness began or got worse).<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>You were married to the service member for one year or longer.<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>You had a child with the service member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>If you have remarried after being married to a veteran who died from mesothelioma, you may qualify for VA DIC if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and were at least 57 years of age at the time of remarriage.<br \/>\n<strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>You remarried on or after January 5, 2021, and were at least 55 years of age at the time of remarriage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The loss of a loved one is immensely difficult, but the team at Mesothelioma Hope can help you and your family members access the <a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">VA benefits<\/a> you may be entitled to. Learn more from a Patient Advocate.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"19670\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque connect-white has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"connect-white\">.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white{margin:40px 0;max-width:315px;position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:3px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #fff 100%)}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div{border:1px solid #E6E7EC;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;box-shadow:0 20px 20px rgba(34,34,34,0.03);border-radius:0 5px 5px 0;color:#383441;display:block;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white img{margin:0 0 20px;max-width:170px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white .vque-content{font-size:17px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white p:not(:last-child){margin:0 0 15px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.heading{color:#100134;font-size:24px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.heading a{color:inherit;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.heading a:hover{color:#34d;text-decoration:underline}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.button.arrow{width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white .button-wrap span{display:block;font-size:18px;padding-top:20px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white .button-wrap span a{color:#F46E0F;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white .button-wrap span a:hover{color:#c75809;text-decoration:underline}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white{margin:60px 0;max-width:723px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white p:not(:last-child){margin:0 0 17px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse;align-items:center;padding:25px 30px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div:first-child{width:35%;text-align:right}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div:first-child img{margin:0;float:right}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div.vque-content{width:65%}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div.vque-content p{max-width:370px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div.vque-content .button-wrap a{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white>div div.vque-content .button-wrap span{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;padding:0 0 0 20px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.heading{margin:0 0 14px}.widget_oscar-vque.connect-white strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><div><div><a href=\"\/about\/patient-advocates\/\" title=\"Learn More\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Help From a Patient Advocate Heading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"221\" height=\"88\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/patient-advocates-medium.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Circular Patient Advocate Images\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\"><a href=\"\/about\/patient-advocates\/\" title=\"Learn More\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Help From a Patient Advocate Heading\">Get Help From a Patient Advocate<\/a><\/strong><p>Our trusted advocates with <strong>65+ years combined experience<\/strong> are ready to assist you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"button-wrap\"><a href=\"\/about\/patient-advocates\/\" title=\"Learn More\" class=\"cte button arrow\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Help From a Patient Advocate Button\">Learn More<\/a><span>or call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Eligibility Requirements for Children<\/h3>\n<p>Dependent children of veterans who died from mesothelioma have their own set of VA DIC eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may be entitled to separate VA DIC benefits if all of the following are true:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You are not already included in a surviving spouse\u2019s compensation.<\/li>\n<li>You are not married.<\/li>\n<li>You are under the age of 18 (or 23 if you are attending school).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our veteran support staff can help you determine if you qualify for VA benefits like DIC. Call us today at<strong> <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> to get started.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rates\">VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rates for 2026<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-20899 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/coast-guard-veteran-300x184.png\" alt=\"A military veteran and his spouse\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/coast-guard-veteran-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/coast-guard-veteran.png 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Benefits like VA DIC can go a long way in helping families who have lost a source of income. The exact monthly payment received from VA DIC depends on several factors.<\/p>\n<h3>VA DIC Rates for Surviving Spouses<\/h3>\n<p>VA DIC rates for eligible surviving spouses are calculated in two different ways depending on when the veteran passed away.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>If the veteran died on or after January 1, 1993,<\/strong> the starting compensation rate is <strong>$1,699.35\u00a0per month<\/strong>. However, you may qualify for a higher payout if you have additional disabilities and dependent children.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If the veteran died before January 1, 1993,<\/strong> your monthly compensation rate will depend on the veteran\u2019s pay grade. Base rates range from <strong>$1,699.35<\/strong>\u00a0<b>to<\/b> <strong>$3,893.55<\/strong><b>\u00a0per month<\/b>, but these are also subject to increase based on additional disabilities and dependent children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>VA DIC Rates for Surviving Children<\/h3>\n<p>If you are under the age of 18, one of your parents died of service-related mesothelioma, and your surviving parent is eligible for VA DIC as a result, your compensation may be built into your parent\u2019s payments.<\/p>\n<p>If you are an unmarried adult child of a veteran who died of mesothelioma, however, you may be eligible for separate monthly payments.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 VA DIC rates for surviving children are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Children between the ages of 18 and 23<\/strong> who are enrolled in a qualifying school program get <strong>$346.95 per month.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Helpless children over the age of 18 receive $697.96 per month<\/strong>. This status is granted to children who have a permanent physical or mental disability that was diagnosed before they turned 18.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you both qualify, you and your surviving parent can each receive your own monthly compensation. No matter the situation, <strong>all VA DIC payments are tax-exempt for survivors of veterans.<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\"#triggerChat\" class=\"connect-cta alt\" data-ce-category=\"Connect CTA\" data-ce-label=\"Chat Now\"><div><style type=\"text\/css\">a.connect-cta.default{outline:0;display:block;background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:10px;margin:70px auto 40px;max-width:340px;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;padding:22px;color:#383441;line-height:1.5;border:2px solid #0FAEBF}a.connect-cta.default span.img-wrap{display:inline-block;margin:-60px auto 10px;width:74px;height:74px;border:2px solid #0FAEBF;border-radius:70px;position:relative}a.connect-cta.default span.img-wrap:after{background:#26E707;border:1px solid #fff;-webkit-border-radius:12px;-moz-border-radius:12px;border-radius:12px;content:\"\";display:block;height:13px;position:absolute;right:0;top:4px;width:13px;-webkit-animation:animation 2s infinite;-moz-animation:animation 2s infinite;-o-animation:animation 2s infinite;animation:animation 2s infinite}a.connect-cta.default img{display:block}a.connect-cta.default p{margin:0 0 15px 0}a.connect-cta.default p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}a.connect-cta.default .button{border:none;border:2px solid #0FAEBF;box-shadow:none;background:#fff;color:#0FAEBF;padding:13px 16px}a.connect-cta.default .button:hover{background:#0FAEBF;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}a.connect-cta.default:hover{color:#383441}a.connect-cta.alt{background-color:#E4F4F6;border:1px solid #0FAEBF;border-radius:4px;font-size:17px;padding:20px 15px;position:relative;display:block;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;margin:40px auto;max-width:710px;text-align:center}a.connect-cta.alt .img-wrap,a.connect-cta.alt p{display:block;position:relative;vertical-align:middle;margin:0 auto 20px;line-height:1.4}a.connect-cta.alt .img-wrap img,a.connect-cta.alt p img{margin:0 auto}a.connect-cta.alt p.connect-btn{margin-right:0}a.connect-cta.alt .chat-available{position:absolute;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);bottom:-13px;background:#fff;font-size:12px;padding:5px 20px 5px 5px;border:1px solid #79D1DA;border-radius:60px;line-height:1;font-weight:700}a.connect-cta.alt .chat-available span{position:relative}a.connect-cta.alt .chat-available span:after{background:#26E707;border:1px solid #fff;-webkit-border-radius:12px;-moz-border-radius:12px;border-radius:12px;content:\"\";display:block;height:8px;position:absolute;right:-13px;top:3px;width:8px;-webkit-animation:animation 2s infinite;-moz-animation:animation 2s infinite;-o-animation:animation 2s infinite;animation:animation 2s infinite}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){a.connect-cta.default{max-width:495px}a.connect-cta.alt{text-align:left;padding-left:40px}a.connect-cta.alt .img-wrap,a.connect-cta.alt p{display:inline-block;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:0}a.connect-cta.alt p:not(.connect-btn){width:53%}}@-webkit-keyframes animation{0%{background-color:#26E707}50%{background-color:#00B2BF}100%{background-color:#26E707}}@keyframes animation{0%{background-color:#26E707}50%{background-color:#00B2BF}100%{background-color:#26E707}}<\/style><span class=\"img-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chat-cta-advocate.png\" alt=\"Advocate Avatar\" class=\"connect-cta-avatar\" \/><\/span><p>Have a question about VA benefits? Our Patient Advocates are here to help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"connect-btn\"><span class=\"button arrow\">Chat Now<\/span><\/p><div class=\"chat-available\"><span>Available for Chat<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n<h2>How to File for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation<\/h2>\n<p>To start receiving VA DIC benefits, you must first file an application based on your survivor status, which is your relationship with the veteran and the circumstances of the veteran\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>If you are the surviving child or spouse of a veteran who passed away from mesothelioma, you\u2019ll need to fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ. You can do this in person at a VA regional office, by mail, or online. However you choose to apply, it\u2019s best to do so with the help of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/mesothelioma-lawyer\/\">mesothelioma lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file a claim and submit evidence at the same time.<\/strong> In addition to proving your relationship with the veteran, you will need evidence that they died from a service-related injury or illness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Before filing, it\u2019s a good idea to gather the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Birth or marriage certificates<\/li>\n<li>Death certificates<\/li>\n<li>Discharge papers<\/li>\n<li>Medical records<\/li>\n<li>Source(s) of <a href=\"\/asbestos\/exposure\/\">asbestos exposure<\/a> (if known)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Mesothelioma Hope partners with VA-accredited mesothelioma attorneys who can help you file for VA DIC benefits, making the process as stress-free as possible. Give us a call at <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Other Mesothelioma Survivors Benefits<\/h2>\n<p>VA DIC payments can be extremely helpful for eligible survivors, but they\u2019re not the only type of VA benefits available to veterans and their families.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Qualifying families of <a href=\"\/veterans\/\">veterans with mesothelioma<\/a> can also benefit from the following VA services:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/aid-attendance\/\">Aid &amp; attendance (A&amp;A)<\/a>:<\/strong> Surviving spouses can apply for monthly payments if they need help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. The A&amp;A program can also cover the costs of home care, adult day care, and assisted living stays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Burial reimbursement:<\/strong> Memorial services can be expensive, but the VA provides survivors with a <strong>$2,000 burial allowance <\/strong>for deaths connected to military service. Memorial items such as headstones and burial flags can also be provided at no cost to families.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/veterans\/va-benefits\/pension\/survivors-death\/\">Survivors Pension<\/a>:<\/strong> Families of deceased veterans who were active during recognized wartime periods may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension. This monthly benefit is subject to specific income and net-worth limits set by Congress.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Survivors\u2019 and Dependents\u2019 Educational Assistance (DEA):<\/strong> Children and spouses of deceased veterans may be able to get financial assistance for education or job training for up to 36 months through the DEA program, also known as Chapter 35.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By accessing these benefits, survivors can start to heal from losing a veteran who served.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"start\">Start Your Mesothelioma VA DIC Claim Now<\/h2>\n<p>Although the VA DIC application process may seem confusing, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can make it as simple as possible.<\/p>\n<p>At Mesothelioma Hope, we have accredited claims representatives working in-house. They can help you gather evidence and file VA claims to ensure you get the maximum monthly benefits you may be due.<\/p>\n<p>The sooner you start your VA DIC claim, the sooner you can get financial relief, so don\u2019t wait to take action.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\">Download your Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How much is VA dependency and indemnity compensation?<\/h3><div><p>As of 2026, spouses who lost a loved one to mesothelioma can receive <strong>$1,699.35<\/strong> <strong>per month<\/strong> through VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.<\/p>\n<p>Adult children (between ages 18 and 23) can receive <strong>$346.95 per month <\/strong>from VA DIC if they&#8217;re enrolled in a qualifying education program.<\/p>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> for help accessing compensation if you lost a loved one to mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation taxable?<\/h3><div><p><strong>No.<\/strong> VA DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit, so you are not required to pay taxes on this money. This makes it a bit less stressful to receive VA DIC as you won&#8217;t have to worry about tax implications. You can double-check with an attorney to be sure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the income limit for VA DIC?<\/h3><div><p>At this time, <strong>there is not an income limit for VA DIC.<\/strong> However, a veteran must have died from a service-related illness or injury for their family members to receive VA DIC.<\/p>\n<p>Many cases of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer, in veterans are linked back to asbestos exposure during military service. Thus, family may qualify for VA DIC if a veteran they love passed away from mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the VA 10-year rule for DIC?<\/h3><div><p>The 10-year rule for VA DIC is one of several ways that families can qualify for this benefit. Under this rule, the veteran in question must have had a &#8220;totally disabling&#8221; health condition for at least 10 years before their death\u00a0<strong>if they didn&#8217;t die from a service-related health problem<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This 10-year rule may not apply if a veteran died from mesothelioma that stemmed from military asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation a lifetime benefit?<\/h3><div><p>Depending on the case, <strong>VA DIC can be a lifetime benefit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For non-disabled children receiving VA DIC, their benefits will expire when they turn 18 (or 23 if they are in school).<\/p>\n<p>However, surviving spouses will continue to receive VA DIC benefits unless they become ineligible due to remarriage.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How long does it take for DIC to be approved?<\/h3><div><p>VA DIC claims take about 81 days to process as of December 2025. However, a VA-accredited mesothelioma attorney may be able to <strong>reduce your wait time to one month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Call us today at <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> to learn how our in-house veterans advocates can help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"7\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you get DIC and Survivors Pension?<\/h3><div><p><strong>No<\/strong>, you can\u2019t collect VA DIC and pension benefits at the same time. However, if you qualify for both VA DIC and a Survivors Pension, the VA will automatically pay out whichever benefit gives you the most money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"How much is VA dependency and indemnity compensation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;As of 2026, spouses who lost a loved one to mesothelioma can receive &lt;strong&gt;$1,699.35&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;per month&lt;\/strong&gt; through VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Adult children (between ages 18 and 23) can receive &lt;strong&gt;$346.95 per month &lt;\/strong&gt;from VA DIC if they&amp;#8217;re enrolled in a qualifying education program.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Call (866) 608-8933 for help accessing compensation if you lost a loved one to mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Is VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation taxable?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;No.&lt;\/strong&gt; VA DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit, so you are not required to pay taxes on this money. 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VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a type of financial benefit paid out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to surviving loved ones of veterans who passed away from a service-connected disability. If your spouse or parent was a veteran and died from mesothelioma cancer,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":17569,"parent":905,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21438","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21438\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}