Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Veterans You May Be Missing

Losing a spouse is difficult, and navigating benefits afterward can feel overwhelming—especially when information is scattered or unclear. Many surviving spouses of veterans qualify for financial assistance, health care, and support services but never receive them simply because they don’t know they exist.

This article highlights key VA and related benefits for surviving spouses that are commonly overlooked, explains who qualifies, and outlines how to apply.

Who Is Considered a Surviving Spouse?

In general, the VA considers you a surviving spouse if:

• You were legally married to the veteran at the time of their death

• You have not remarried (with some exceptions)

• The marriage met VA duration requirements

• The veteran received an other-than-dishonorable discharge

Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth asking—many spouses assume they’re ineligible when they are not.

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is one of the most important benefits for surviving spouses, yet many never apply.

What It Is:

• A tax-free monthly payment

• Paid if the veteran:

  • Died from a service-connected condition, or

  • Had a qualifying service-connected disability for a certain period before death

Why It’s Missed:

• Some spouses don’t realize the death doesn’t have to happen during service

• Others assume they won’t qualify if the veteran wasn’t receiving benefits

2. VA Survivors Pension (Death Pension)

If your household income is limited, you may qualify for the VA Survivors Pension.

What It Provides:

• Monthly income support

• Amount depends on income and expenses

You May Qualify If:

• The veteran served during a wartime period

• Your income is below VA limits

3. Aid & Attendance for Surviving Spouses

This is one of the most overlooked benefits.

What It Helps Pay For:

• In-home care

• Assisted living

• Nursing home care

• Help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management)

Important:

• Aid & Attendance is added to the Survivors Pension

• Many surviving spouses qualify due to age-related health needs

• Our Agency, Veteran Care Companions, can help you apply for this benefit

This benefit alone can be worth thousands of dollars per year.

4. VA Health Care (CHAMPVA)

If you are not eligible for Medicare or TRICARE, you may qualify for CHAMPVA, a VA health care program.

Coverage May Include:

• Doctor visits

• Hospital care

• Prescriptions

• Mental health services

CHAMPVA can work alongside Medicare in some cases, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.

5. Burial and Memorial Benefits

Surviving spouses may be eligible for:

• Burial in a VA national cemetery

• Headstones or markers

• Burial allowances (in some cases)

• Presidential Memorial Certificates

These benefits apply even years after the veteran’s passing.

6. Education and Career Assistance

Some surviving spouses qualify for education and training benefits, especially if the veteran died from service-related causes.

These benefits can help with:

• College

• Job training

• Certification programs

7. Home Loan and Housing Benefits

Surviving spouses may be eligible for VA home loan benefits without needing a down payment if certain conditions are met.

This can make home ownership—or refinancing—more affordable later in life.

8. Counseling, Grief Support, and Mental Health Services

The VA and affiliated programs may offer:

• Grief counseling

• Mental health services

• Support groups

These services are often underused but can be extremely helpful, especially for older spouses experiencing isolation or depression.

Why So Many Surviving Spouses Miss These Benefits

• The veteran never applied while alive

• Paperwork feels overwhelming

• Incorrect advice from non-VA sources

• Assumption that benefits expire

• Fear of “taking something you don’t deserve”

👉 These benefits were earned through the veteran’s service.

How to Get Help Applying

You don’t have to do this alone. Free help is available from:

• Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)

• VA-accredited organizations

• VA regional offices

• VA patient advocates

They can help determine eligibility and submit claims correctly—often at no cost.

Final Thoughts

If you are a surviving spouse of a veteran, there is a strong chance you qualify for more support than you realize. Even if you were denied in the past, rules change—and many claims succeed when revisited.

Taking the time to explore these benefits can provide financial relief, health care access, and peace of mind during a difficult chapter of life. Our agency can help navigate surviving spouses access these valuable benefits. Give us a call to learn more.