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The VA has various assistance programs for the survivors of military personnel who die on active duty. Regardless of whether the in-service death is due to combat, accident or disease, the following eligibility criteria, services, and benefits apply:
Reservists and National Guard: When a member of the Reserves or National Guard dies while federally activated or on inactive duty for training, the death is considered service-connected for VA death benefits. Activation of a National Guard unit by a governor alone in support of current security operations does not qualify unit members for these VA benefits, except life insurance.
Casualty Assistance Program: This VA program gives personal attention to surviving family members after in-service deaths, and to help them with benefit information and applications. A casualty assistance officer is designated at each of VA's 57 regional offices. These VA officers work closely with military casualty officers to ensure timely assistance is available to beneficiaries.
When a servicemember dies while on active duty, the death is considered service-connected unless it was due to willful misconduct. VA pays at least $967 a month in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to surviving spouses. In most cases, survivors' claims are processed within 48 hours. In some cases VA can pay more than $967 a month, such as a $241 benefit for each dependent child who is unmarried and under age 18 or up to age 23 if studying at a VA-approved school. Payments are increased if the surviving spouse is housebound or needs a home aide.
The basic rate for survivors is adjusted annually, and payments continue generally until the death or remarriage of the spouse before age 57. Remarriage after age 57 does not affect benefits. Click here for additional information about benefits for family members
Life Insurance: Most servicemembers and Reservists take VA's life insurance coverage, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. Most choose coverage at the highest levels, and their designated beneficiary receives a payment of $250,000.
VA has paid every claim related to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom within 48 hours of receiving the necessary paperwork. VA also offers beneficiaries free, personalized financial planning through a financial services company. Click here for more information.
Educational Assistance: When an active-duty servicemember dies, VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program generally provides up to 45 months of education benefits to the surviving spouse for 10 years, or for children aged 18 to 26. (There are different rules if the surviving spouse has remarried.)
The rate (as of 2006)is $788 a month for full-time attendance, with lesser amounts for part-time education. This benefit may be used to pursue secondary school programs; associate, bachelor or graduate degrees; technical or vocational training; apprenticeships; and other types of training, including work-study programs. Click here for more information.
Refund of Service Member's Unused GI Bill Contribution: If the deceased servicemember had contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill education program, the designated life insurance beneficiary or surviving spouse is entitled to a refund of the money that was collected through payroll deduction but was not awarded in education benefits during the servicemember's lifetime. Most active-duty military members participate in this educational benefit program, which deducts $1,200 from their pay at $100 monthly during their first year of service.
Home Loans: Surviving spouses of military members may be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan from a private lender. The loan may be used to purchase, construct or improve a home, to refinance an existing mortgage or for certain other purposes. As with the program for veterans, VA guarantees part of the total loan, permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a competitive interest rate. Except for manufactured homes and other select cases, the surviving spouse may obtain a no-down payment loan if the lender agrees.
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