VA Announces Increase in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rates

As of December 1st, 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs increased the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation rates. These new rates will be effective for one calendar year.

The recipients of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) include surviving loved ones of a veteran who has passed away due to a service-related illness or disability. Mesothelioma is a service-related illness that has affected thousands of veterans for decades. This is due to the large amounts of asbestos once used throughout every branch of the military. 

DIC is an invaluable resource for families who have suffered the loss of a veteran with mesothelioma. Oftentimes, surviving family members are able to pay for funeral expenses, lost wages and other unforeseen expenses due to their loved one’s illness. As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s important that the VA adjusts their rates accordingly.

New DIC Rates for Surviving Family 

Surviving spouses will now receive a base DIC of $1,357 a month. However, there are some other factors that may increase the monthly amount:

• Recipient is housebound, $157
• Recipient requires help with day-to-day activities (Aid and Attendance), $336
• Each child under the age of 18, $336
• Transitional benefit for dependents for the first 2 years after veterans death, $289

If there is not a surviving spouse, a dependent child under the age of 18 can receive DIC. In this case, the veteran was not married to the child’s mother. The new monthly amount for dependent children under 18 is $573, college age children (18-23) attending a “qualified school” will receive $289.

Do You Qualify for DIC?

In order for a surviving spouse and/or dependent children of a deceased veteran to be eligible for VA DIC, there are specific requirements they must meet. 

Qualifications for a surviving spouse:

• Married the deceased veteran before January 1, 1957
• Married a veteran who died from a service-related injury or disease, marriage must have started within 15 years of discharge
• Married the deceased veteran for at least one year
• Had a child with the veteran and lived with the veteran until their death

Qualifications for dependent children:

• Veteran parent passed because of a service-related illness or disability
• The children must be unmarried and under the age of 18 or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending a qualified school
• Certain adult children deemed unfit to care for themselves may be eligible

At BCBH Law, we want veterans and their families to know that they have financial options available. Connect with one of our lawyers today to learn more about the VA claims process or to get free assistance in filing a VA claim.