Apply for survivor compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a survivor benefit based on qualifying service-related death or other specified circumstances.
Who this program may help
VA considers the applicant’s relationship and the qualifying circumstances. Parents also have income requirements.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Read the requirements for your survivor role
Spouse, child and parent requirements differ.
Read the section matching your relationship and the service or death circumstances.
Why this matters
A total disability rating alone does not establish every DIC claim.
Official action:
Read survivor compensation requirementsVA evaluates the qualifying evidence.
Official references
2. Choose the correct survivor application
A casualty officer assists with qualifying in-service death cases.
Use VA Form 21P-534a for the specified in-service spouse or child application, 21P-534EZ for a Veteran’s spouse or child, or 21P-535 for a parent.
Why this matters
The forms ask different relationship and benefit questions.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 21P-534a — Apply for survivor benefits after an active-duty death
Spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty; work with the casualty assistance officer
conditional - VA Form 21P-534EZ — Apply for DIC, Survivors Pension or accrued benefits
Spouse or child of a Veteran
conditional - VA Form 21P-535 — Apply for Parents’ DIC
Surviving parent
conditional
VA reviews the application appropriate to the survivor.
Official references
3. Identify relationship and qualifying-death evidence
The application needs facts supporting the benefit claimed.
Provide requested relationship, service and death evidence, or identify the records VA needs.
Why this matters
VA must evaluate the qualifying circumstances, not just the relationship.
Documents for this step
- Requested relationship and death documents
As required by your application
conditional - Relevant service and medical evidence
To support the qualifying circumstances
conditional - Parent income information
Parent DIC application
conditional
VA may obtain identified records or ask for more information.
Official references
4. Submit through the survivor-benefit method
An in-service death uses the casualty assistance officer’s application instructions.
For Veteran-survivor or parent applications, follow VA’s upload, mail or regional-office instructions.
Why this matters
Do not substitute a burial request for a DIC application.
Official action:
Open VA’s DIC submission instructionsKeep the official submission confirmation and copy.
VA processes the survivor application.
Official references
5. Read requests and the survivor decision
VA may request more information and then sends a decision.
Respond to actual notices and check each benefit result.
Why this matters
Requests, decisions and payment records serve different purposes.
If granted, VA may later request marital-status verification.