| VETERAN SERVICES |
Dependents & Survivors VA
SURVIVING SPOUSE: To qualify for most benefits; the veteran's spouse must have lived continuously with the veteran from the time of marriage until death (this excludes separations due to accident, illness, or other extenuating factors), for at least one year, or for any length of time if a child was born to them before or after marriage. Common-law cases may also be recognized by the VA (but not currently in Ohio).
CHILD: To qualify, the child must be: under 18 years of age (or 23 years of age if attending an approved school) or of any age if permanently incapable of self support by reason of mental or physical defect prior to age 18. The term "Child" includes an illegitimate, adopted, or stepchild of the veteran.
It is important to remember that a non-service connected VA pension for survivors is a wartime service benefit. Just serving in the military will not guarantee your spouse a pension. The VA also takes into account income from all sources, net worth, and unreimbursed medical expenses.
Thusly, a widow may not qualify at the time of the veterans death; but with changing conditions, could be eligible in the future. This often happens if the need for nursing or institutional care arises.
Generally it takes about six months to process an original VA claim; but supplying the following information, when applicable, in a timely manner may speed up the process.
Copies of marriage or birth (children), copies of all divorces, original or certified copies of military separation papers (DD-214), copy of death and accurate information on income for spouse and dependent children.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is payable to certain survivors of:
Service members who died on active duty, Veterans who died from service-related disabilities and certain veterans who were being paid 100% VA disability compensation at time of death.
If a veteran dies of causes found to be service related, benefits may be paid to surviving spouses based on the veteran's pay grade at the time of discharge or $1,154 per month (whichever is greater), if the death occurred before 1-1-93. When the death occurred after 1-1-93, they shall be paid a $1,154 per month base. Additional amounts are allowed for dependent children.