BLUF Bottom line up front

If the veteran's death was service-connected, surviving spouses receive $1,699.36/mo tax-free in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). If the veteran was a military retiree, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) may pay up to 55% of retired pay on top of DIC. If the death was not service-connected, the VA Survivors Pension pays up to $975/mo (income-based, wartime service required). All surviving spouses and dependents may also be eligible for education benefits, healthcare, and home loan guarantees — detailed in the sections below.

CHAMPVA & Healthcare → Aid & Attendance → Caregiver Navigator → Back Pay Calculator →

You don't need to read all of this today.

This guide covers the benefits available to you as a surviving spouse, child, or parent. There are many, and it can feel like a lot. Here is where to focus first:

Right now

Read What to Do First and Getting Help. These cover the time-sensitive steps and who can help you through them, at no cost.

This week

File an Intent to File with the VA (or ask a VSO to do it for you). This protects your effective date and gives you up to a year to file the full claim.

When ready

Work through the remaining sections at your own pace. Monthly compensation, education, healthcare, home loans, and other benefits will be here when you need them. Nothing in this guide expires overnight.

The benefits available depend on whether the death was related to military service. Select the situation that applies to see the most relevant sections, or view all.

Which Benefits Apply to Me?

Answer a few questions to see your personalized list

Quick Start

1. Cause of Death

2. Your Relationship

3. Did the veteran serve 20+ years (military retiree)?

What to Do First

Time-sensitive steps to protect your benefits immediately

Both Paths

Immediately after a service member's or veteran's death, there are time-sensitive steps that protect your benefits. You do not need to do everything at once, but these actions should be taken as early as possible.

If the death occurred on active duty: A Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) will be assigned to your family within 24 hours. They will help with notification, funeral arrangements, and initial benefits paperwork. Let them guide you through the immediate steps.

If the veteran died after separation/retirement:

Notify the VA: Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov

Notify DFAS (if receiving military retirement pay): 1-800-321-1080

Notify Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213

Notify TRICARE (if enrolled): 1-800-444-5445

Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (you will need at least 10)

Locate the DD-214, marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, and any VA decision letters

File an Intent to File with the VA as soon as possible. This locks in your effective date for any benefits claim and gives you up to 1 year to gather evidence and submit the full application. You can do this by calling 1-800-827-1000 or online at VA.gov.

Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free help with claims. TAPS (1-800-959-8277) serves survivor families exclusively, 24 hours a day.

Sources: DoD Instruction 1300.18 (Casualty Assistance); 38 C.F.R. § 3.155 (Intent to File); VA.gov survivor benefits filing guidance; TAPS (taps.org).

Getting Help

Casualty Assistance, VSOs, TAPS, VA Survivors Hotline

Both Paths

You do not have to navigate this alone. There are people and organizations whose sole purpose is to help surviving families access the benefits they've earned.

Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO): Assigned within 24 hours for active-duty deaths. Guides you through immediate needs, benefits paperwork, and funeral coordination.

Veterans Service Organizations: DAV, VFW, American Legion, and TAPS provide free claims assistance and peer support. TAPS serves survivor families exclusively.

VA Survivors Hotline: 1-800-827-1000 (press 0). Monday–Friday, 8 AM–9 PM ET.

TAPS 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-959-8277. Immediate emotional support, any time.

DFAS (military pay/SBP): 1-800-321-1080.

Social Security: 1-800-772-1213.

Sources: DoD Instruction 1300.18 (Casualty Assistance); 38 U.S.C. § 5902 (VSO accreditation); TAPS: taps.org; VA benefits hotline: va.gov/contact-us; DFAS survivor services: dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors; SSA survivor benefits: ssa.gov/survivors.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

$1,699.36/mo base — tax-free

Both Paths

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment from the VA to surviving spouses, children, and in some cases, parents of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition.

Who is eligible

Surviving spouses who were married to the service member or veteran at the time of death, were not remarried (with exceptions below), and either lived continuously with the veteran or were separated for reasons beyond their control.

Children who are unmarried and under 18, or 18–23 and in an approved school program. Certain adult children who became permanently unable to support themselves before age 18 are also eligible.

Parents who were financially dependent on the service member. Parents' DIC is income-based.

2026 DIC Rates (effective December 1, 2025)

Surviving spouse base rate: $1,699.36/month (tax-free)

Per child under 18: +$421.00

8-year provision: +$360.85 — requires the veteran to have been rated 100% disabled (or TDIU) for at least 8 continuous years before death, AND the spouse married for those same 8 years

Aid and Attendance: +$421.00

Housebound: +$197.22

Transitional benefit (first 2 years, children under 18): +$359.00

Children (no eligible spouse): One child: $717.50/mo. Each additional: +$255.95. School-age 18–23: $356.66/mo.

Parents: Income-based. Max for sole surviving parent: $861/mo. See VA Parents' DIC tables.

Remarriage and DIC

Remarriage does not always end DIC. Surviving spouses who remarried on or after January 5, 2021, at age 55+ may continue to receive DIC. For remarriages between December 16, 2003, and January 4, 2021, the threshold is age 57. If a remarriage ends, DIC may be reinstated.

PACT Act and DIC

If the death may be connected to toxic exposure — Agent Orange, burn pits, radiation, or Camp Lejeune water — the PACT Act may make you eligible even if a prior claim was denied. You can file a new or Supplemental Claim at any time.

DIC When the Death Was Not Service-Connected (38 U.S.C. § 1318)

DIC is not limited to service-connected deaths. Under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, surviving spouses may receive the same DIC benefit ($1,699.36/mo) if the veteran was rated 100% totally disabled (including TDIU) for:

• At least 10 continuous years immediately before death, OR

• At least 5 continuous years from the date of military discharge, OR

• If the veteran was a former POW: at least 1 year before death

This is critical for non-SC death survivors. If your veteran spouse had a 100% P&T rating for 10+ years but died of cancer, a heart attack, or any non-service cause — you likely still qualify for full DIC. This pays significantly more than the Survivors Pension ($1,699/mo vs ~$975/mo). File the same DIC form and the VA will determine eligibility.

How to apply

VA Form 21P-534EZ (spouse/child) or VA Form 21P-535 (parent). File online at VA.gov, by mail, in person, or through a VSO at no cost. Include: death certificate, DD-214, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, and any medical evidence linking the death to service.

Sources: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1310–1318; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.5, 3.10, 3.22; VA.gov 2026 DIC rates; PACT Act (Pub. L. 117-168).

VA Survivors Pension

Income-based benefit for survivors of wartime veterans

Non-Service-Connected

If your veteran's death was not caused by their service but they served during a wartime period, you may be eligible for the VA Survivors Pension — an income-based, tax-free monthly benefit.

Eligibility

The veteran must have: Served at least 90 days of active duty with at least 1 day during a wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War/post-9/11), OR served at least 90 days total with a discharge for a service-connected disability. For service after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months of continuous active duty is generally required.

The surviving spouse must: Have been married to the veteran at the time of death, not be currently remarried (some exceptions apply), and have countable income and net worth below VA thresholds.

Children who are unmarried and under 18 (or 18–23 in school, or permanently disabled before 18) may also qualify.

2026 Rates (Maximum Annual Pension Rate / MAPR)

The pension pays the difference between your countable income and the MAPR. If your income is $0, you receive the full MAPR. As income rises, the pension decreases dollar for dollar.

Surviving spouse alone: up to $11,699/year (~$975/mo)

Surviving spouse with 1 dependent child: up to $15,311/year (~$1,276/mo)

Surviving spouse needing Aid and Attendance: up to $18,697/year (~$1,558/mo)

Surviving spouse, housebound: up to $14,316/year (~$1,193/mo)

Note: Rates are adjusted annually. Net worth limit is $163,699 (2026). Medical expenses may reduce countable income, potentially increasing your pension.

How to apply

VA Form 21P-534EZ. Same form as DIC — the VA will determine which benefit you qualify for. Include: death certificate, DD-214, marriage certificate, income and asset information, and medical expense documentation. A VSO can help at no cost.

Sources: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1541–1543; 38 C.F.R. § 3.23 (MAPR); VA.gov Survivors Pension rate tables.

Understanding SBP — The Complete Guide

What it is, what it costs, when it makes sense, and how it interacts with DIC

Both Paths

What Is SBP?

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a DoD-administered annuity program that provides your surviving spouse (or eligible children) with a monthly payment after you die. Think of it as a government-backed pension for your survivor.

The key thing to understand: Your military retired pay stops the day you die. It does not pass to your spouse. SBP is the only way to continue a portion of that income to your family after your death. Without SBP, your spouse receives $0 from DFAS.

SBP is administered by DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service), not the VA. It is completely separate from VA disability compensation and DIC.

How Much Does SBP Cost and Pay?

You Pay

6.5%

of your selected base amount

Survivor Receives

55%

of your selected base amount

Example: E-7 with 24 years, High-3 retired pay of $3,200/month

SBP base amount (full coverage):

$3,200/mo

Monthly SBP premium (6.5%):

$208/mo

Annual cost to retiree:

$2,496/yr

Survivor annuity (55%):

$1,760/mo

Survivor annual income:

$21,120/yr

SBP premiums are pre-tax (reduce your taxable retired pay). The survivor annuity is taxable income.

You choose the base amount. You can cover your full retired pay or a smaller amount (minimum $300). Most retirees elect full coverage.

Premiums are deducted automatically from your retired pay. You never write a check.

SBP annuity gets COLA increases just like retired pay. It keeps pace with inflation.

Premiums stop after 30 years of payments AND age 70 (both conditions must be met). After that, coverage continues for free.

When Do You Elect SBP?

At retirement. Your SBP election is made at the time you retire. If you do nothing, you are automatically enrolled at maximum coverage for your spouse. Declining SBP requires your spouse's written, notarized concurrence.

This decision is essentially irrevocable. You cannot add SBP later. You have a one-time open season to disenroll between the 25th and 36th month of retirement, but doing so permanently forfeits coverage. There is no going back.

Active duty deaths: If the service member dies on active duty, SBP coverage is automatic at the maximum level. No election is needed.

Reserve/Guard: You can elect Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP) when you receive your 20-year letter. Coverage options are the same.

Who Receives SBP?

Spouse: Primary beneficiary. Coverage continues as long as the surviving spouse does not remarry before age 55. If they remarry after 55, SBP continues.

Children: If there is no eligible spouse (or if the spouse dies or remarries before 55), eligible children receive SBP. Children are eligible until age 18 (or 22 if a full-time student).

Former spouse: The retiree can elect coverage for a former spouse (often required by divorce decree). Former spouse coverage replaces spouse coverage.

Insurable interest: In limited cases, a person with an insurable interest (such as a business partner or dependent parent) can be covered. Premiums are higher.

SBP vs. Term Life Insurance

This is the most common debate. Here is the honest comparison:

SBP Advantages

Guaranteed by the U.S. government

Cannot be outlived (pays for life)

COLA-adjusted annually

No medical exam or health questions

Premiums stop after 30 yrs + age 70

Pre-tax premiums reduce taxable income

Cannot lapse or be cancelled

Term Life Advantages

Lump sum payout (flexible use)

Can invest proceeds for growth

Cheaper at younger ages

Transferable and adjustable

Tax-free death benefit

Can cancel if no longer needed

Multiple policy options available

The Real Question

Term life insurance gets dramatically more expensive as you age and eventually becomes unaffordable or unavailable. SBP costs the same percentage forever (and eventually becomes free). If your spouse is likely to outlive you by 20+ years, SBP provides income they cannot outlive. If your spouse is financially independent or you have substantial investments, term life may be sufficient.

Bottom line: Many financial advisors recommend SBP as a baseline floor and supplementing with term life insurance while it is affordable. SBP ensures your spouse never hits $0/month from DFAS, even at age 95. Talk to a financial advisor before your retirement date — this decision cannot be undone.

SBP + DIC: The "Widows Tax" Is Gone

Before January 2023, SBP was reduced dollar-for-dollar by DIC — meaning if a surviving spouse received DIC (which was often more than SBP), the SBP annuity was wiped out entirely. Retirees paid premiums for decades and their spouses received nothing from SBP. This was called the "widows tax."

As of January 2023, the offset has been fully eliminated. Surviving spouses now receive the full amount of both SBP and DIC. They are no longer reduced against each other. (P.L. 116-92, NDAA 2020, phased elimination completed Jan 2023.)

This is one of the strongest arguments for SBP today. Before 2023, many retirees rightly questioned whether SBP was worth it because DIC would erase the benefit. That is no longer the case.

SBP Calculator — Is It Worth It For You?

Enter your numbers to see the real cost, the real benefit, and when your spouse breaks even.

Monthly Retired Pay ($)

SBP Coverage Level (%)

Your Age at Retirement

Spouse's Current Age

What about my VA disability rating?

Your VA disability rating does not affect SBP premiums or the annuity amount. SBP is calculated on your gross retired pay, not your take-home pay. This confuses many retirees because the VA offset reduces what you actually receive each month — but your SBP premium is still based on the full amount. The upside: when you die, the VA offset disappears. Your spouse receives 55% of your full gross retired pay, not the reduced amount. If your death is service-connected, they also receive DIC ($1,699.36/mo) on top of SBP with no offset. If you have a 50%+ VA rating with 20+ years, CRDP restores the offset during your lifetime — so you are not paying SBP premiums on money you are not receiving.

Calculations assume 6.5% SBP premium, 55% annuity, no COLA adjustment (flat dollars). Life expectancy estimates are averages and will vary. The equivalent lump sum assumes a 4% annual safe withdrawal rate.

Quick Reference

Premium: 6.5% of selected base amount (pre-tax deduction) Benefit: 55% of selected base amount (taxable income to survivor) COLA: Yes — annuity increases annually with retired pay COLA Premiums stop: After 30 years of payments AND reaching age 70 (both required) Election: At retirement. Automatic unless you opt out with spouse concurrence. Irrevocable: Essentially yes. One-time disenroll window at months 25–36. Remarriage: Spouse loses SBP if remarrying before age 55. Keeps it if remarrying after 55. DIC interaction: No offset since January 2023. Both paid in full. Administered by: DFAS (not the VA). Contact: 1-800-321-1080 Statute: 10 U.S.C. § 1447 et seq.

Sources: 10 U.S.C. §§ 1447–1455 (SBP statute); DoDI 1332.42 (SBP administration); P.L. 116-92 § 622 (SBP-DIC offset elimination, phased 2020–2023); DFAS.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Accrued Benefits

Military retirement survivor pay and benefits owed at death

Both Paths

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

If the service member was eligible for military retired pay (or was already retired), SBP provides up to 55% of their retired pay to the surviving spouse or eligible children. SBP is administered by DFAS, not the VA. (SBP payments are taxable federal income.)

The "widows tax" offset has been fully eliminated as of January 2023. Surviving spouses now receive the full amount of both SBP and DIC — they are no longer reduced against each other.

Active duty deaths: If the service member died on active duty, SBP coverage is automatic at the maximum level. No enrollment is needed.

Retiree deaths: SBP is only paid if the retiree enrolled during their initial election period (usually at retirement) or during an open enrollment. Check with DFAS if you're unsure whether the retiree was enrolled.

Contact DFAS: 1-800-321-1080 | dfas.mil/survivors

SBP + DIC: Before vs After January 2023

Before 2023 (“Widows Tax”)

SBP annuity: $1,375/mo

DIC: $1,699.36/mo

SBP reduced dollar-for-dollar by DIC

Total received: $1,699.36/mo

SBP premiums paid for years — benefit wiped out by DIC offset

After January 2023 (Offset Eliminated)

SBP annuity: $1,375/mo (taxable)

DIC: $1,699.36/mo (tax-free)

No offset — you keep both in full

Total received: $2,987.75/mo

An increase of $1,375/mo over the pre-2023 rules

Example uses $2,500/mo retired pay with 55% SBP coverage. Your amounts depend on the retiree's actual retired pay and SBP election level. DIC base rate is $1,699.36/mo (2026). If you were affected by the offset before 2023, DFAS should have automatically adjusted your payments. If your SBP was not restored, contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080.

Estimated Monthly Survivor Income

If the veteran's death was service-connected and the retiree was enrolled in SBP, the surviving spouse may receive income from three separate sources:

DIC (VA)$1,699.36/mo tax-free

SBP Annuity (DFAS)varies taxable

Social Security Survivorvaries up to 85% taxable

Combined Monthly Incomeall three stack

Key point: These three income streams come from three different agencies (VA, DFAS, SSA) and are independent of each other. DIC does not reduce Social Security. SBP does not reduce DIC (since 2023). All three can be received simultaneously.

Accrued Benefits

If the veteran had a pending VA claim or was owed money by the VA at the time of death, the surviving spouse (or other eligible dependent) may be entitled to those unpaid benefits. This includes:

Accrued benefits: Money the VA owed to the veteran for the period before their death. File VA Form 21P-534EZ within 1 year of the veteran's death.

Substitution: If the veteran had a claim pending at the time of death, the surviving spouse can step into ("substitute" for) the veteran and continue the claim to completion. File a request to substitute within 1 year.

This is frequently overlooked. If the veteran was in the middle of a rating increase, a PACT Act claim, or any pending decision, the surviving spouse can carry it forward.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

If the veteran or service member worked enough quarters to be insured under Social Security, the surviving spouse and children may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. These are separate from and in addition to VA benefits.

Surviving spouse age 60+: Reduced benefits available. Full benefits at full retirement age.

Surviving spouse age 50+ with disability: Reduced benefits available.

Surviving spouse caring for child under 16: Benefits at any age.

Unmarried children under 18 (or 19 if in school): Benefits available.

One-time death payment: $255 lump sum.

Contact SSA: 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov/survivors

Tax note: Social Security survivor benefits may be partially taxable (up to 85%) depending on total household income. DIC and VA Survivors Pension are fully tax-free and do not count toward the Social Security taxability threshold.

Sources: 10 U.S.C. § 1447 et seq. (SBP); 38 U.S.C. § 5121 (Accrued benefits); 38 C.F.R. § 3.1010 (Substitution); 42 U.S.C. § 402 (Social Security survivors).

Education Benefits

Fry Scholarship, DEA Chapter 35, and transferred GI Bill

Both Paths

Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33) Service-Connected

Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Covers full in-state tuition, monthly housing allowance, and books/supplies stipend.

Children: Use between ages 18 and 33.

Spouses: Must use within 15 years of death.

DEA, Chapter 35 Both Paths

Up to 36 months of education benefits for dependents of veterans who died from service-connected causes OR who are permanently and totally disabled. Covers degree programs, certificates, apprenticeships, and OJT. ~$1,400/mo for full-time.

Note: Cannot receive Fry and DEA simultaneously. Compare which provides more value.

Transferred GI Bill Benefits

If the service member or veteran transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child before their death, those transferred benefits remain available. The remaining months of eligibility do not expire upon death, though usage timelines still apply.

→ Compare programs with the Education Benefits Calculator

Sources: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33 (Fry Scholarship); 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 (DEA); 38 U.S.C. § 3319 (Transfer).

Healthcare Coverage

CHAMPVA, TRICARE survivor coverage, and transitional benefits

Both Paths

CHAMPVA

For surviving spouses and children of veterans who were 100% permanently and totally disabled (P&T) or whose death was service-connected — and who are not eligible for TRICARE. Shares cost of healthcare services and supplies. No enrollment fee; annual deductible and cost share apply. Covers doctor visits, hospital, mental health, prescriptions, and preventive care.

Note: If the veteran was rated below 100% P&T and the death was not service-connected, surviving family members do not qualify for CHAMPVA.

TRICARE Survivor Coverage

Families of active-duty deaths retain TRICARE. First 3 years: active-duty family member benefits (no fees, minimal cost share). After 3 years: TRICARE Select or Prime with standard premiums. Retiree survivors retain TRICARE eligibility at the retiree rate. Spouse coverage continues until remarriage before age 55.

→ Compare healthcare options with the Healthcare Comparison Guide

Sources: 38 U.S.C. § 1781 (CHAMPVA); 10 U.S.C. § 1072 et seq. (TRICARE).

VA Home Loan Benefits

No down payment, no PMI, funding fee exempt for DIC recipients

Both Paths

Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability are eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. Surviving spouses of veterans who died from non-service-connected causes may also be eligible if they have not remarried.

DIC recipients are exempt from the VA funding fee, which can save thousands at closing.

Benefits: No down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, limited closing costs, reusable benefit.

Remarriage: Eligibility generally continues if remarriage occurred at age 55+ (on or after Jan 5, 2021) or age 57+ (Dec 16, 2003 – Jan 4, 2021), or if the remarriage ended.

→ Estimate your payment with the VA Home Loan Calculator

Sources: 38 U.S.C. § 3701 et seq.; VA Home Loan Guaranty survivor eligibility.

Life Insurance and Death Benefits

SGLI ($500K), Death Gratuity ($100K), TSGLI, FSGLI

Service-Connected

SGLI

Maximum $500,000 paid to designated beneficiary. Usually processed within weeks of claim.

Death Gratuity

One-time, tax-free $100,000 to next of kin. Usually paid within days of notification.

TSGLI

If the service member suffered a qualifying traumatic injury before death, up to $100,000 additional may be payable. Separate from SGLI.

FSGLI Conversion

Surviving spouse may convert FSGLI to an individual policy within 120 days. Contact OSGLI: 1-800-419-1473.

Sources: 38 U.S.C. § 1965 et seq. (SGLI/FSGLI); 10 U.S.C. § 1478 (Death Gratuity); 38 U.S.C. § 1980A (TSGLI).

For Veterans: SGLI → What Replaces It?

VGLI, VALife, or private term — choosing after separation

All Veterans

When you separate, your $500,000 SGLI coverage ends after 240 days. You have three options to continue life insurance. The right choice depends on your health, age, and whether you can qualify for private insurance.

Critical: You have 240 days from separation to convert SGLI to VGLI — no medical exam required. Miss this window and you must pass underwriting to get VGLI.

VGLI

Coverage: Up to $500,000 (must match or reduce from SGLI amount)

Who qualifies: Any veteran within 240 days of separation (guaranteed issue) or after with medical underwriting

Premiums: Increase every 5 years based on age. Competitive when young; expensive after 50

Renewable: Yes — guaranteed renewable for life regardless of health changes

Administered by: Prudential (OSGLI)

Key trade-off: Guaranteed issue is valuable, but premiums rise sharply with age. Compare to private term before committing long-term.

VALife

Coverage: Up to $40,000 (whole life)

Who qualifies: Veterans with any service-connected disability (0%+) — guaranteed acceptance, no medical exam, no health questions

Premiums: Fixed for life once enrolled. Based on age at enrollment. Builds cash value.

Enrollment: VA.gov — open enrollment began Jan 1, 2023

Administered by: VA directly

Best for: Veterans with SC disabilities who can't get private insurance. Low coverage but guaranteed acceptance is the selling point.

Private Term Life

Coverage: $100K — $2M+ (varies by insurer)

Who qualifies: Must pass medical underwriting (health questions, exam, labs)

Premiums: Locked for the term (10, 20, or 30 years). Often cheaper than VGLI for healthy veterans under 45.

Renewable: Only within the term. Renewal at term end is at market rates (expensive).

Consideration: SC conditions may affect underwriting or premiums

Best for: Healthy veterans who can pass underwriting. Often the cheapest option for high coverage amounts during peak family-protection years.

VGLI Monthly Premiums by Age (2026, per $100K coverage)

Age	Under 30	30–34	35–39	40–44	45–49	50–54	55–59	60–64	65–69	70–74	75+
Per $100K	$7	$9	$11	$15	$22	$34	$52	$70	$110	$175	$225
$400K coverage	$28	$36	$44	$60	$88	$136	$208	$280	$440	$700	$900

VGLI premiums are approximate and based on 2026 OSGLI rate tables. Premiums increase at each 5-year age bracket regardless of when you enrolled. A healthy 30-year-old veteran can often get a private 20-year term policy for $400K at $20–$30/month locked — compare before committing to VGLI long-term.

Which Should I Choose?

Convert SGLI → VGLI within 240 days regardless

Even if you plan to buy private insurance, convert to VGLI first. It's guaranteed issue — no exam, no health questions. You can always drop VGLI later if you find a better rate. You can't get it back if you let the window close and your health changes.

Then shop private term while you're young and healthy

A 30-year-old non-smoker can lock in a 20-year, $500K term policy for $25–$40/month. That same coverage through VGLI will cost $175+/month by age 55. If you can pass underwriting, private term usually wins on price for the years you need coverage most (while raising a family, paying a mortgage).

VALife if you have SC disabilities and can't get private coverage

$40,000 isn't enough to replace your income, but it can cover final expenses and provide a small safety net. The guaranteed acceptance with no health questions is what makes it valuable — no other whole life policy offers that. Can be layered on top of VGLI or private term.

Combine: VGLI (bridge) + Private Term (main) + VALife (guaranteed floor)

The best strategy for many veterans: convert SGLI to VGLI immediately (guaranteed, no gap). Then shop private term for your main coverage. Add VALife if you have SC conditions for a permanent $40K floor. Drop or reduce VGLI once private term is active.

Separating soon? The Separation Timeline flags the 240-day VGLI conversion deadline at your exact separation date. Don't miss it.

Sources: 38 U.S.C. § 1965–1980A (SGLI/VGLI); 38 U.S.C. § 1922B (VALife, effective 2023); OSGLI rate tables (va.gov/life-insurance).

Burial and Memorial Benefits

National cemetery, military honors, headstone, Presidential Memorial Certificate

Both Paths

National cemetery burial: At no cost — gravesite, opening/closing, headstone/marker, burial flag, perpetual care.

Private cemetery burial allowance (2026 rates):

Service-Connected Death

$2,000

burial allowance

+ $948

plot allowance

Non-SC (VA Hospitalized)

$948

burial allowance

+ $948

plot allowance

Non-SC (Not Hospitalized)

$377

burial allowance

+ $377

plot allowance

Military funeral honors: Flag folding, presentation, and Taps. Full honors for active-duty deaths.

Headstone or marker: Provided at no cost for any deceased veteran, regardless of burial location.

Burial flag: U.S. flag provided at no cost to drape the casket. Given to next of kin after the ceremony.

Presidential Memorial Certificate: Signed by the President, honoring the veteran's service. Available on request.

Surviving spouse burial: Eligible to be buried alongside the veteran in a national cemetery at no additional cost.

File VA Form 21P-530 for burial allowance reimbursement. Must file within 2 years of burial (no time limit for SC deaths). National cemetery burial is arranged through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 1-800-535-1117.

Sources: 38 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2308; 38 CFR § 38.620 (burial allowance rates); 10 U.S.C. § 1491 (military funeral honors). Rates effective Oct 1, 2025.

Additional Support and Access

Installation access, bereavement counseling, Gold Star Families Act

Both Paths

Military Installation Access

Gold Star families are eligible for continued commissary, exchange, and MWR access. The 2023 Gold Star Families Act expanded eligibility to include surviving parents and siblings. Obtain a Gold Star access card through your DEERS/ID card office.

Bereavement Counseling

The VA provides free bereavement counseling to surviving family members through Vet Centers. Available to parents, spouses, children, and siblings. Call 1-202-461-6530 or visit your local Vet Center.

Sources: FY2023 NDAA (Gold Star Families Act); 38 U.S.C. § 1783 (Bereavement Counseling).

Real-World Examples

See how benefits apply in common situations

Both Paths

Active Duty Death — Spouse with Two Children

SSgt Rodriguez, age 29, died in the line of duty. His wife Maria (28) has two children (ages 3 and 6).

What Maria receives:

• DIC: $1,699.36/mo + $421.00/mo per child = $2,541.36/mo tax-free

• SGLI death gratuity: $400,000 lump sum + $100,000 death gratuity

• CHAMPVA healthcare for herself and children

• Fry Scholarship: 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for Maria or transfer to children

• DEA Chapter 35 for children's education

• VA home loan eligibility

• SBP annuity (55% of retirement-equivalent pay) — received in full alongside DIC since January 2023

Retired Veteran (100% P&T) Dies — Surviving Spouse

CDR Thompson, age 72, retired after 24 years, was rated 100% P&T for COPD (PACT Act presumptive). He dies of COPD. Wife Linda (68) was covered under TRICARE.

What Linda receives:

• DIC: $1,699.36/mo (service-connected death via presumptive condition) = tax-free

• SBP: 55% of retired pay — no longer reduced by DIC (offset eliminated January 2023)

• TRICARE coverage continues as a survivor

• Social Security survivor benefits (if not already collecting higher own benefit)

• VA home loan eligibility retained

• Accrued benefits: any pending VA claims paid to survivor

Non-Service-Connected Death — Low-Income Spouse

Vietnam-era veteran James (78) served 4 years, had no VA disability rating, and dies of a heart attack. Wife Carol (75) has limited income ($14,000/yr).

What Carol may receive:

• VA Survivors Pension: Up to $11,699/yr (income-based, wartime service required)

• Aid & Attendance supplement: Up to $15,714/yr if Carol needs daily assistance

• No DIC (death was not service-connected)

• Burial benefits: VA headstone, burial in national cemetery, burial allowance

• Social Security survivor benefits

• State veteran survivor benefits (varies by state)

Note: If James had filed a PACT Act presumptive claim before death, or if Carol can show his death was related to service (e.g., Agent Orange exposure), DIC could still apply. A VSO can help evaluate this.

All names are fictional. These examples are illustrative. Actual benefits depend on individual circumstances including service dates, discharge type, marital status, and income. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited representative for your specific situation.

POW, MIA & Hostage Situations

What happens to pay, benefits, and family protections

Both Paths

If a service member is captured, missing, or detained, federal law ensures that pay, benefits, and family protections continue uninterrupted. The family does not lose income, healthcare, or housing.

Pay and allowances continue

Under the Missing Persons Act (37 U.S.C. §§ 551–558), a service member’s full pay and allowances — base pay, BAH, BAS, hostile fire pay, and all allotments — continue for the entire period the member is in a missing, captured, or detained status. The family receives the same paycheck they received before the event. Promotions continue on schedule as if the member were still serving.

TRICARE, SGLI, and dependent benefits

TRICARE coverage continues for all dependents with no interruption or change in status. SGLI remains active at the member’s elected coverage level (up to $500,000). Dependent education benefits, commissary and exchange access, and all family support programs remain in place.

POW pay accrual and tax protection

Pay that accrues during captivity can be deposited into the Savings Deposit Program (SDP), which earns 10% annual interest for members in hostile fire zones. All compensation earned during captivity or MIA status is completely tax-exempt under the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (26 U.S.C. § 112). Time in captivity counts fully toward retirement, longevity pay, and all service-based benefits.

After return — former POW benefits

The VA presumes service connection for an extensive list of conditions for former POWs (38 CFR § 3.309(c)). For detention of any duration: psychosis, any anxiety disorder, PTSD, dysthymic disorder, cold injury residuals, stroke, and others. For detention of 30+ days: additional conditions including ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, peptic ulcer, and more. Former POWs receive Priority Group 3 enrollment in VA healthcare and may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation provisions. Presumptive Conditions Lookup →

If the member is declared deceased

If the service member is eventually declared deceased, all survivor benefits in this guide apply: DIC ($1,699.36/mo in 2026), SBP annuity if enrolled, SGLI death benefit (up to $500,000), Chapter 35 DEA for dependents, burial benefits, and Gold Star family status. The date of death for benefits purposes is typically the date of the initial casualty event or the date the Secretary of the relevant branch makes the determination.

Family support during a missing/captured status: Each branch assigns a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) or Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) to the family immediately upon notification. This officer helps the family navigate pay, benefits, legal matters, and serves as the primary liaison between the family and the military for the duration of the member’s status. The Hostage Relief Act of 1980 provides additional protections for hostage situations, including education benefits for dependents.

Sources: 37 U.S.C. §§ 551–558 (Missing Persons Act); 26 U.S.C. § 112 (Combat Zone Tax Exclusion); 38 CFR § 3.309(c) (POW presumptives); 10 U.S.C. §§ 1095–1097 (dependent healthcare); Hostage Relief Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-449).

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This guide provides general information about survivor benefits based on publicly available federal sources. It is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Benefits eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Always verify your eligibility directly with the VA or through a VA-accredited representative.

Survivor Benefits Guide