Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Follow the link below or click the page to the left "Last Will and Testament" to find a downloadable workbook and contact information for a local attorney who works with the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and VVA to help expat American veteran's in the Philippine establish a legal will to assist their loved ones upon their death. This packet can also be used for spouses of veterans in they even they precede the veteran in death.
Attorney Joan Mari Uy-Quiambao is a Filipina Attorney at Law and Notary Public. She may be contacted at 0909-0889-776 or 0915-5647-523. Her email address is jmuqlaw@yahoo.com.ph. Her office is located at 1172 Dr. Surfa St., Sta Maria 1, Balibago, Angeles City. Please call, email, or stop by to schedule an appointment - bring your completed workbook. The special rate for members of the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and VVA is P15,000 for establishment of a Last Will & Testament. Along with disposition of property, this will also includes your burial preference, a living medical will for preference for autopsy and instruction for DNR, donation of organs, funeral arrangements, instructions for family notification, US Executor/Administrator notification, emergency affidavit, etc. If you have special circumstances, Attorney Uy-Quiambao is prepared to work with you to address them. Her and her law partner have been holding a series of informative seminars at the VFW. If interested, contact the VFW and ask for the next schedule.
Link to workbook: https://sfachapter46.com/last-will-and-testament
Next of Kin Lives in the Philippines.
Contact the U.S. Embassy, Manila at (02) 301-2000 x 2246 during normal work hours. The embassy will ask for the deceased passport number and biographical data listed on the passport as well as general information about his/her death. After the call, the U.S. Embassy will send you a death questionnaire form to be completed with instructions. Once the questionnaire and requested documents are returned to the embassy, they will prepare a consular report of death of an American citizen abroad and forward copies to the next of kin. Report of death can then be used to claim any benefits due/conduct business in the United States. Additional requirements: Advise the U.S. Embassy warden. After the funeral, contact the RAO director or your service officer for assistance in obtaining benefits.
Next of Kin Outside the Philippines.
Report the death to the U.S. Embassy warden/ROAO office and provide any information available such as death certificate, passport/identification cards, contact data for the next of kin. The U.S. Embassy Warden will take care of embassy reporting.
Burial at Clark Veterans Cemetery.
After the above requirements have been satisfied, take a copy of the DD Form 214, death certificate and burial permit to VFW Post 2485 (Office) to obtain a burial flag. Contact Neil McAuliffe at +63-(0)049-644-1280 to coordinate for burial on Clark. VFW Post 2485 will advise date and time of funeral and provide or make arrangements for the funeral services.
(Special notice: If your loved one passed away in a country outside of the Philippines, it is imperative that you contact Neil McAullife (VFW burial liaison to Clark Veterans Cemetery) as soon as possible to coordinate the required documentation if you plan to bring the deceased back to the Philippines for burial. Neil will explain the requirements for:
Some people arrive with ashes and are denied entry. Others make it through immigration only to later discover that without the proper paperwork, burial on Clark will not be possible. Plan ahead and do the paperwork before making the trip over to the Philippines.)
When to Report a Retiree's Death
Please report the retired service member’s death as soon as possible. This will help avoid delay and possible financial hardship to surviving beneficiaries, family members or executors, who will be required to return any unearned military retirement payments Eligibility for military retired pay ends with the death of the retiree. Therefore, if a retired pay payment was issued for the month in which the retiree died the bank will be notified to return the payment upon notification of death. The beneficiary of the AOP may be due a prorated amount for the month of death. Never return money yourself unless specifically asked to.
What You Need
How to Report a Retiree's Death
1. To report a retiree’s death:\
A- Use the convenient AskDFAS online form - available online 24/7
OR
B-Call the Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080
Upon notification of death, DFAS will stop monthly payments to prevent overpayment.
2. After reporting the death to DFAS, you should receive a letter containing the following documents:
3. Complete the SF 1174 you received with your letter and submit it with a copy of the retiree’s Death Certificate that includes cause of death; include a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174 to have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account. Send to:
A- Upload a PDF of your completed/signed SF 1174 form and supporting documents via the AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil
B- OR, mail to:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1200
C-OR, fax to: 800-469-6559
4. If the deceased retiree was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan or the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan, complete the annuity account forms and return them with supporting documentation. The following information provides preparation and submission guidance.
Report a SBP Annuitant's Death
Eligibility for Survivor Benefit Plan annuity pay ends with the death of the annuitant. Prompt reporting of the annuitant's death can help avoid delay in the final settlement of the annuity. All outstanding checks or direct deposits must be returned to DFAS before a settlement of arrears of annuity may be made.
Please follow the steps below to report the death of an annuitant:
Step 1 - Please call 800-321-1080 to report the death of the annuitant.
Step 2 – Please send a copy of the annuitant’s death certificate showing cause of death to:
DFAS U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1300
FAX: 800-982-8459
Step 3 - Please inform the financial institution receiving payments about the death of the annuitant.
Other Agencies to Contact
When a military retiree passes away, there are several steps you should take to take ensure his or her pay and benefit accounts are closed out properly and loved ones are cared for properly. After notifying DFAS, you may also need to notify the following agencies as soon as possible.
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
800-538-9552
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
800-827-1000 (if the retiree received disability compensation)
Office of Personnel Management
888-767-6738 (if the military retiree also was a current or retired federal civilian employee)
Office of Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance
800-419-1473 (if the retiree was enrolled in Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance)
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Start a Survivor Benefit Plan Annuity
If you are the designated beneficiary of a deceased military service member's Survivor Benefit Plan, there are several documents we need to begin your SBP annuity account:
Use the DD 2656-7 Form Wizard to fill in your form
The DD 2656-7 Form Wizard will help you fill out the DD 2656-7 - Verification for Survivor Annuity form. The form wizard will ask you a series of questions and fill in your answers in the appropriate areas of the form. When you have finished answering the questions, you can click a button to generate a ready-to-print PDF with your answers. .
Please remember you will need to sign and date this form, and then submit it to DFAS, along with the appropriate supporting documentation.
How to use the Form Wizard
You can download the entire DD 2656-7 Form Wizard (right click and choose "Save As") to your Windows or MAC computer. You will need compatible PDF software, such as the free Adobe Acrobat DC software, available at adobe.com. We do not recommend saving the Form Wizard to a shared computer, because it contains personally-identifiable information. When using Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari to access an Adobe form wizard, the user may initially receive a pop-up attached message. The user must download the pdf (by clicking the download icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page), then double-click on downloaded file. It is suggested to use the form wizard on a personal device. Using the form wizard on a DFAS computer may not have the same functionality a personal device.
Alternatively, you can complete and send the following documents:
If any of the following circumstances apply to you, please also send the relevant document(s):
* * * * * * * * * *
New helpful tools for spouses, former spouses, and children of a deceased military member/retiree.
If you are the spouse (widow/widower), eligible former spouse, or child of a deceased military member/retiree, DFAS has new, helpful tools to help you fill out the DD Form 2656-7 correctly and easily.
Use the DD Form 2656-7 How-To Checklist to fill out your form
The How-To Checklist for the DD Form 2656-7 provides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the 2656-7 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form.
Watch the DD Form 2656-7 How-To Video on YouTube
The DD Form 2656-7 how-to video provides a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the 2656-7 correctly and easily.
Submit your completed DD Form 2656-7 and supporting documentation online using our new AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil
You can now upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil.
* * * * * * * * * *
Submitting the DD Form 2656-7 and supporting documentation
Send the completed DD Form 2656-7 to start your SBP annuity with supporting documentation to:
A-Upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil
B- OR, mail to: :
DFAS - U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300
C-OR, Fax to: 800-982-8459
If you have additional questions about starting your SBP annuity, please contact your Branch of Service Retiree Service Organization or call the DFAS Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080.
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How to Claim a Retiree’s Arrears of Pay Using the SF 1174
Arrears of Pay (AOP) is a one-time payment, usually less than one month’s pay, made to the AOP beneficiary after the death of a retiree. Arrears of Pay (AOP) is not a death benefit.
The Arrears of Pay payment to the beneficiary is:
The pro-rated amount of the retiree’s final month’s pay. And, if applicable, any other money owed to the retiree at the time of their death.
To make a claim for money due to a retiree after their death, complete and submit an SF 1174 with a copy of the death certificate listing the cause of death. Please send a COPY of the death certificate, not the original. We are unable to return original documents.
The SF 1174 should be used by those who either (1) are the designated beneficiary on file with our agency, or (2) are entitled under the Order of Precedence.
* * * * * * * * * *
NEW helpful tools for surviving spouses and children:
If you are the spouse (widow/widower) or child(ren) of the deceased retiree, DFAS has new, helpful tools to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily.
Up to two claimants can use one SF 1174. If there are two claimants on one form, both must sign on the same date in front of the witnesses. If there are more than two claimants, or the claimants are not signing together, please submit separate forms.
Direct deposit for Arrears of Pay payments
We can now deposit an Arrears of Pay (AOP) payment directly to an eligible claimant’s bank account instead of mailing a check. Direct deposit can reduce the time it takes to receive the payment. To have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account, send a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174.
Use the SF 1174 Form Wizard to fill in your form
The SF 1174 Form Wizard will help you fill out the SF 1174 Arrears of Pay form. The form wizard will ask you a series of questions and fill in your answers in the appropriate areas of the form. When you have finished answering the questions, you can click a button to generate a ready-to-print PDF with your answers.
Please remember you will need to sign and date this form in front of two witnesses, and then submit it to DFAS, along with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death.
How to use the Form Wizard
You can download the entire SF 1174 Form Wizard to your Windows or MAC computer. You will need compatible PDF software, such as the free Adobe Acrobat DC software, available at adobe.com. We do not recommend saving the Form Wizard to a shared computer, because it contains personally-identifiable information.
Use the Form 1174 Retiree AOP Checklist to fill out your form
The Form 1174 Retiree AOP Checklist provides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form.
Watch the Form 1174 Retiree AOP How-To Video on YouTube
The 1174 AOP how-to video provides a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily.
Submit your completed SF 1174 and copy of death certificate online using our new AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil
You can now upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil.
Use the DD 2790 Checklist to fill out your 2790 form (if applicable)
The DD 2790 Checklist provides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form.
Watch the Annuitant DD 2790 How-To Video on YouTube
The DD 2790 How-To Video provides a walk-through to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily.
If you have additional questions about claiming retiree Arrears of Pay, please contact your Branch of Service Retiree Service Organization or call our Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080.
* * * * * * * * * *
Instructions for common claimants - retiree Arrears of Pay
Listed below are instructions for the most common claimants to the member's Arrears of Pay. The instructions are broken into relationship based on (1) designated beneficiary, and (2) non-designated beneficiary. Non-designated claimants are only entitled under the Order of Precedence. In the event you are unsure that you are the designated beneficiary on file, please follow the instructions for your relationship under the "Non Designated" category.
Submitting the SF 1174 and death certificate
Send the completed SF 1174 for a retiree’s Arrears of Pay with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death; include a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174 to have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account:
A- Upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the AskDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil
B- OR, mail to:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1200
Remember to keep a copy of your signed form.
C-OR, fax to: 800-469-6559
Claimants with special circumstances
See "Supplemental Instructions for Claimant with Special Circumstances" below to learn more about those claimants with special circumstances; additional documentation or steps may be required.
Supplemental Instructions for Claimant with Special Circumstances
Minor Child or Beneficiary with Legal Guardian (GDN)
Beneficiary with a Power of Attorney (POA)
Beneficiary with Foreign Address
Multiple Beneficiaries Using the Same Form
If you are filling out an SF 1174 to request the arrears of annuity for an SBP ANNUITANT rather than a retiree, please refer to the following instructions:
Beneficiary of an SBP Annuitant
Designated Beneficiary (Not Estate or Trust)
If an organization is designated as beneficiary, i.e. "Salvation Army," a representative from the designated organization must complete an SF1174 on behalf of the organization.
Part Instructions Reminder/Tips
A Complete Sections #1-6 with your info If claimant is minor, complete DD 2790
Complete Sections #7-10 with info of the If claimant does not have Social Sec No.
decedent complete IRS Form W-7.
B Respond "yes" if claimant was married to N/A
member at time of death
C Complete with N/A N/A
D Complete with N/A N/A
E Part E - Funeral Expenses – do not
complete/no longer used
Other -Sign & Date where it indicates "signature 1. Claims must be signed, include
of claimant." Under your signature provide mailing address, dated, and witnessed
your mailing address and phone number. by two disinterested parties to be
-Enter your name in the witness section considered valid.
where it states "Name(s) of claimant(s)." 2. If claimant has a Power of
-Have two witnesses sign their name and Attorney/attorney in fact please see
enter their address. supplemental instructions above.
Not Designated (Spouse, Children, Parents)
Part Instructions Reminder/Tips
A Complete Sections #1-6 with your info If claimant is minor, complete DD 2790
Complete Sections #7-10 with info of the If claimant does not have Social Sec No.
decedent complete IRS Form W-7.
B Respond "yes" if claimant was married to N/A
member at time of death
C Complete by listing all Next of Kin If next of kin do not exist, which take
information, following the Order of precedence to your relationship, please
Precedence, until you've reached the indicate this. Example: If you are a
relationship which your claim is being made. parent making claim, then "Spouse -
Deceased"
"Children - N/A"
D Complete with N/A
E Part E - Funeral Expenses – do not
complete/no longer used
Other -Sign & Date where it indicates "signature 1. Claims must be signed, include
of claimant." Under your signature provide mailing address, dated, and witnessed
your mailing address and phone number. by two disinterested parties to be
-Enter your name in the witness section considered valid.
where it states "Name(s) of claimant(s)." 2. If claimant has a Power of
-Have two witnesses sign their name and Attorney/attorney in fact please see
enter their address. supplemental instructions above.
3. If claimant is not a child and is not a
US Citizen please complete IRS Form
W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of
Beneficial Owner for Untied States Tax
Withholding and Reporting (Individuals),
if claimant is not a child and is a US
Citizen please complete IRS Form W-9,
Request for Taxpayer Identification
Number and Certification
Multiple Beneficiaries Using the Same Form
Example of completed form
Additional tips to assist you in making your claim
Converting VGLI To A Civilian Policy
The VA official site reminds veterans it’s possible to convert a VGLI policy into a commercial policy at any time. This conversion is done, according to the VA, “at standard premium rates, without having to provide proof that you’re in good health.”
You will need to select a new life insurance company–the VA provides a list of companies that work with the VA–and apply at the local sales office of the life insurance company you choose.
Before you go, you’ll need to get a VGLI conversion notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs OSGLI office–the civilian life insurance agent will require this notice. Call the VA for more information on obtaining this letter by calling 1-800-827-1000.
What Is DIC?
DIC is a monthly tax free benefit paid to eligible survivors (surviving spouse, child, or parent) of a military service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR
DIC May be Granted Automatically.
DIC will be granted automatically when the veteran has been rated 100% service-connected for 10 or more years at the time of death and dies from non-service-connected causes other than willful misconduct. DIC is also payable when the veteran was rated 100% service-connected for at least 5 years immediately after discharge. With this rule, there is no need to prove service connection death.
Who Is Eligible?
The surviving spouse if he or she:
The surviving child(ren), if he/she is:
The surviving dependent parent(s) may also be eligible for an income-based benefit.
How Much Does VA Pay?
The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $332 to the surviving spouse's monthly DIC if there are children under age 18. The amount is based on a family unit, not individual children. An allowance of $332 a month is also available if the person receiving DIC needs aid and attendance.
Surviving spouse rates if the Veteran died on or after January 1, 1993
If you’re the surviving spouse of a Veteran
Your monthly payment rate is: $1,437.66 (Effective December 1, 2021)
You may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. Find any descriptions in the table below that are true for you. Add the amount listed in the Added monthly amount column of each description to your monthly payment. This is your total monthly payment.
Added amounts for surviving spouses (you can qualify for any or all of these)
Effective December 1, 2021
If this description is true...
You may qualify for the 8-year provision for an added monthly amount of $305.28
If this description is true...
You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities (like eating, bathing, or dressing) you may qualify for Aid and Attendance for an added monthly amount of $356.16.
If this description is true...
You can't leave your house due to a disability you may qualify for Housebound allowance for an added monthly amount of $166.85.
If this description is true...
You have 1 or more children who are under 18 you may qualify for:
The added monthly amount for this is:
Example of how to calculate your DIC payment
If you're the surviving spouse of a Veteran, your monthly rate would start at $1,437.66.
Then for each additional benefit you qualify for, you would add the amounts from the Added amounts table.
In this example: We show the total monthly payment for someone with 2 children under 18, and who qualifies for the 8-year provision and Aid and Attendance.
Total monthly payment for the first 2 years
$1,437.66 (monthly rate)
+ $356.16 (first child under 18)
+ $356.16 (second child under 18)
+ $305.28 (8-year provision)
+ $356.16 (Aid and Attendance)
+ $306.00 (transitional benefit for the first 2 years after the Veteran's death)
= $3,117.42 per month,
Total monthly payment after 2 years (when transitional benefit ends)
$3,117.42 (monthly payment with transitional benefit)
- $306.00 (transitional benefit)
= $2,811.42 per month
Note: You can find the details of these rates in title 38 U.S.C. 1311(a, b, c, d, f) and 38 CFR 3.461(b).
DIC rates if you’re the surviving child of a Veteran
Find the survivor status below that applies to you.
1. Surviving dependent child of a Veteran, when the Veteran has no surviving spouse
Your monthly payment rate is: $607.02 (Effective December 1, 2021)
Surviving, unmarried adult child of a Veteran, when the Veteran's surviving spouse is also eligible for DIC. The VA makes this monthly payment to you separately as the adult surviving child, in addition to the eligible surviving spouse’s compensation. Monthly payment rates
Effective December 1, 2021:
Child Status
Child between 18 and 23 who’s in a qualified school program - $301.74
Helpless child over 18 (An adult child who became permanently unable to support themselves before age 18) - $607.02
2. Surviving eligible child of a Veteran, when the Veteran doesn’t have a surviving spouse who’s eligible for DIC
The VA will base your payment amount on the number of the Veteran’s eligible surviving children. You're an eligible child if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.
At least one of these must be true:
Monthly payment rates Effective December 1, 2021
Number of Veteran's eligible children Monthly rate for each child Total monthly payment
1 $607.02 $607.02
2 $436.52 $873.24
3 $379.83 $1,139.49
4 $339.01 $1,356.03
5 $314.51 $1,572.57
6 $298.19 $1,789.11
7 $286.52 $2.005.65
8 $277.77 $2,222,19
9 $270.97 $2,438.73
Added amounts
Flat Rate DIC Payments.
For veterans dying after January 1, 1993, a flat rate of DIC is payable. Prior to this date, DIC was paid based on the military rank of the veteran. Under the flat rate plan, an additional allowance is payable for those veterans rated totally disabled due to service connected condition(s) for 8 or more years at the time of their death with the surviving spouse having been married to the veteran for 8 or more years immediately preceding the death. Surviving spouses can also qualify for Housebound or Aid & Attendance allowances under 38 CFR§ 3.351.
Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse.
If a surviving spouse remarries, DIC is terminated. However, if the subsequent marriage is dissolved by death, divorce, annulment, or voided, the now single spouse is eligible to reapply for DIC benefits.
On December 16, 2003, the President signed the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003. This Act amended Title 38 of the United States Code in several ways. Previously, 38 U.S.C. § 103(d) prohibited a surviving spouse who remarries from receiving DIC and also from receiving related housing and education benefits during the length of the remarriage. The Act now allows a surviving spouse who remarries on or after his or her 57th birthday to remain eligible for DIC, home loan, and education benefits.
The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year prior to the death of the veteran or for any length of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage. The spouse must also have been married to the veteran when the veteran died. An exception is 38 CFR § 3.54 (c)(1), which covers marriages within fifteen years of leaving military service on or after January 1, 1957.
Concurrent Receipt of SBP and DIC. NOTE: Read next section about eliminating this.
SBP is the survivor annuity provided under military retirement if the veteran receiving military retirement died. If the surviving spouse is awarded DIC by VA based on the death of the same member who provided the SBP coverage, the Department of Defense reduces the spouse's SBP annuity by the amount of the DIC award.
For example if the SBP is $2500, and DIC is $1,340, the surviving spouse would get $1,340 DIC and $1,160 SBP.
Elimination of the SBP-DIC offset.
The SBP-DIC offset will be fully eliminated as of January 1, 2023. That means you will begin to receive your full SBP payments with no offset (reduction) on February 1, 2023.
You will also continue to receive your full DIC payments from the VA.
In 2023, the payment you will receive from DFAS is: your 2023 Gross SBP amount (minus federal taxes withheld)
In 2023, the payment your will receive from VA is: your FULL amount of DIC.
Offsets to DIC
DIC will not be paid if the survivor receives an award for damages due to the veteran’s death of any of the following:
Any such awards will be deducted from DIC or demanded back for overpayment. Attorney’s fees, court costs, and other expenses incident to the civil claim are not deductible from the total amount awarded or accepted.
Apply for DIC compensation.
First you’ll need to fill out an application for benefits. The application you fill out will depend on your survivor status.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office. Get VA Form 21P-534a to download.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ). Get VA Form 21P-534EZ to download.
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535). Get VA Form 21P-535 to download.
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:
Should you submit an intent to file form?
You may want to submit an intent to file form before you apply for DIC benefits. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date). When you notify VA of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (payments that start at a point in the past).
What Is Survivors Pension with Aid and Attendance?
Survivor's pension is a benefit paid to eligible surviving dependents of deceased wartime veterans.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible if at least one of the following are true:
*Wartime periods recognized by the VA:
Under current law, the VA recognizes these wartime periods to decide eligibility for pension benefits:
Net worth limit to be eligible for Survivors Pension Benefits.
From December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2022, the net worth limit to be eligible for Survivors Pension benefits is $138,489.
On October 18, 2018, we changed the way we assess net worth to make the pension entitlement rules clearer. Net worth includes your assets and annual income. When you apply for Survivors Pension benefits, you’ll need to report all of your assets and income.
Note: If your child's net worth is more than the net worth limit, we don't consider them to be a dependent when we determine your pension.
Read our definitions below:
Assets
Assets include the fair market value of all your real and personal property, minus the amount of any mortgages you may have. “Real property” means any land and buildings you may own. Your personal property assets include any of these items:
Assets don’t include:
Read more about how we define "assets"
Annual income
Annual income is the money earned in a year from a job or from retirement or annuity payments. It includes any of these:
The VA will subtract certain expenses from your annual income when they assess net worth. They call these applicable deductible expenses. They include:
Read more about how we define “annual income”
An example of net worth and eligibility
If you had $121,000 in assets and $14,000 in annual income, then your net worth would be $135,000. This is less than the net worth limit of $138,489. So you would be eligible for Survivors Pension benefits.
How Much Does VA Pay?
VA pays you the difference between your countable income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar.
Find your Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) amount
Date of cost-of-living increase: December 1, 2021
Increase factor: 5.9%
Standard Medicare deduction: Actual amount will be determined by SSA based on individual income.
For qualified surviving spouses with at least 1 dependent:
If you have 1 dependent child and...
You don't qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits - $12,951
You qualify for Housebound benefits - $15,144
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits - $18,867
Notes:
For qualified surviving spouses with no dependents:
If you have no dependents and...
You don't qualify for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits - $9,896
You qualify for Housebound benefits - $12,094
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits - $15,816
Notes:
For qualified surviving children:
If you're....
A qualified surviving child - $2,523
How to apply for VA Survivors Pension.
With the help of a trained professional
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for VA survivors pension benefits.
Online
Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA to upload your form online.
Go to AccessVA to use QuickSubmit
By mail
Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
Get VA Form 21P-534EZ to download
Mail your completed application to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
In person
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.
Find a VA regional office near you
Learn about the evidence you’ll need to support your claim
Should I submit an intent to file form?
You may want to submit an intent to file form before you apply for VA Survivors Pension benefits. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date). When you notify us of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (payments that start at a point in the past).
Find out how to submit an intent to file form
How long does it take VA to make a decision?
It depends. The VA process VA Survivors Pension claims in the order they receive them, unless a claim requires priority processing.
A claim for survivor pension by any class of dependent is ALWAYS also a claim for DIC, as well as for any available accrued benefits. Accrued benefits would include any claim (whether formal, informal, or inferred) that was pending and unresolved at the time of the veteran's death, or any recurring benefit that was due but not paid at the time of the veteran's death (such as when a claim was approved but the veteran died before the initial check was issued, or when the initial check was issued but the veteran died before negotiating it). If more than one class of dependents applies, the order of precedence for accrued benefits is (1) surviving spouse and (2) children (in equal shares). If accrued benefits are authorized, they may not be paid for any retroactive period exceeding two years prior to the month of the veteran's death.
This is a health insurance program available to totally disabled veterans and their dependents or to dependents of veterans who died from service-connected disability. There are no premiums associated with this insurance, however co-pays for services must be paid. For eligibility under this program, the veteran-sponsor must be one of the following:
Eligible persons include the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse, minor children under age 18. children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending an approved school, and children over age 18 who have been determined to be permanently incapable of self-support ('helpless').
Dependents of retired or other military personnel who are eligible for health care coverage under TRICARE (formerly called CHAMPUS) are not eligible for coverage under CHAMPVA. With the implementation of the CHAMPVA for life program, begun October 2001, persons who turn age 65 do not lose eligibility to the CHAMPVA program as long as they continue to carry the Medicare Part B coverage.
Claimant's who have insurance coverage other than Medicare Parts A & B, will have to complete the required form to inform CHAMPVA. A that time CHAMPVA will pay as a tertiary provider. CHAMPVA will cover most health care services and supplies that are considered medically or psychologically necessary. In general, a covered person under CHAMPVA may seek treatment from any licensed health care provider at any licensed medical facility, including from many VA medical facilities. CHAMPVA administration, including applications and claims, is centralized to the VA Health Administration Center, Denver, Colorado.
The CHAMPVA Meds By Mail Program allows eligible CHAMPVA members to obtain their prescriptions via a mail order pharmacy service at no cost to the beneficiary (co-payments are waived). To participate in Meds By Mail, have a physician write a new prescription for a 90-day supply plus refills (not to exceed one "1" year) Attach the original prescriptions to a completed Meds By Mail order fon-n and mail to the Cheyenne, Wyoming CHAMPVA processing center.
Factors that impact CHAMPVA eligibility for a spouse include:
Factors that impact CHAMPVA eligibility for a CHILD include:
A VA-guaranteed loan can be used to:
A VA-guaranteed loan offers a number of safeguards and advantages over a non VA-guaranteed loan. For example, the interest rate is competitive with conventional rates with little or no down payment required. VA-guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings and loan associations, and mortgage companies. As with any loan, you must apply directly to the lender. Your real estate broker can assist you in finding a lender.
When the loan is approved, VA will guarantee part of it. The amount of VA's guaranty usually depends on the size of the loan. This guaranty protects the lender against loss up to the amount guaranteed by VA. The largest guaranty that VA can give is an amount equal to 25% of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for single-family residences. These limits are subject to change each year.
Who Is Eligible?
Generally, the following persons are eligible:
What Documents Do I Need to Provide the Lender To Receive a VA-Guaranteed Loan?
The lender will need a Certificate of Eligibility to prove that you are eligible for a VA-guaranteed loan. Certificates are issued by VA's Loan Eligibility Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to eligible persons who apply for the certificate. The Eligibility Center can be reached by calling toll-free below. Often times, your lender may be able to access VA's secure web site and obtain a certificate for you.
How Can You Apply?
You can apply by requesting your lender to obtain a certificate for you through VA's secure web site OR by completing one of the following forms and submitting it to the Loan Eligibility Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation.
If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to access them.
You can find additional information about the following topics at this link.
Just as you plan for your family's protection if you die, you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor — that is, the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies. That person must have worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits.
How Your Spouse Earns Social Security Survivors Benefits
A worker can earn up to four credits each year. In 2022, for example, your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,510 of wages or self-employment income. When your spouse has earned $6,040 they have earned their four credits for the year.
The number of credits needed to provide benefits for survivors depends on the worker's age when they die. No one needs more than 40 credits (10 years of work) to be eligible for any Social Security benefit. But, the younger a person is, the fewer credits they must have for family members to receive survivors benefits.
Some survivors can get benefits if the worker has credit for one and one-half years of work (six credits) in the three years just before their death. Each person’s situation is different and you need to talk to one of our claims representatives about your choices.
Notify the Social Security Administration as soon as possible when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivor's benefits online. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to the SSA. You should give the funeral home the deceased person's Social Security number if you want them to make the report. Do not do this in the Philippines. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a SSA representative between 8:00 am - 7:00 p,, Monday through Friday. You can also contact your local SS office if you are in the United States.
Does the SSA pay death benefits?
A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased. If living apart, they were receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record.
If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of death.
What happens if the deceased received monthly benefits?
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months.
For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August. How you return the benefits depends on how the deceased received benefits:
Who receives benefits?
Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:
Eligibility for other family members.
Under certain circumstances, the following family members may be eligible:
NOTE: Eligible family members may be able to receive survivors benefits for the month that the beneficiary died.
If you are the widow or widower of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can:
Note: If you qualify for retirement benefits on your own record, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62.
Note: If a widow or widower who is caring for the worker's children receives SS benefits, they're still eligible if their disability starts before those payments end or within seven years after they end.
If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
A few other situations:
Note: If you became entitled to retirement benefits less than 12 months ago, you may be able to withdraw your retirement application and apply for survivors benefits only. If you do that, you can reapply for the retirement benefits later when they will be higher.
If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more.
Benefits paid to you as a surviving divorced spouse won't affect the benefit amount for other survivors getting benefits on the worker's record.
If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
If you are caring for a child under age 16 or who has a disability and the child get benefits on the record of your former spouse, you would not have to meet the length-of-marriage rule. The child must be your former spouse's natural or legally adopted child.
Note: If you qualify because you have the worker's child in your care, your benefit will affect the amount of the benefits of others on the worker's record.
If you are the unmarried child under age 18 of a worker who dies, you can be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits. You can also be eligible, if you are up to age 19 and attending elementary or secondary school full time.
And you can get benefits at any age if you have a qualifying disability that began before age 22 and remains the same.
Besides the worker's natural children, their stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, or adopted children may receive benefits under certain circumstances.
If you are the dependent parent, who is at least age 62, of a worker who dies, you may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits.
You must have been receiving at least half of your support from your working child. Also, you must not be eligible to receive a retirement benefit that is higher than the benefit we could pay on your child’s record. Generally, you must not have married after your deceased adult child’s death. However, there are some exceptions.
Besides being the natural parent, you could also be the stepparent, or the adoptive parent if you became the deceased worker’s parent before he or she was age 16.
Your survivors benefit amount is based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits would be.
These are examples of the benefits that survivors may receive:
Percentages for a surviving divorced spouse would be the same as above.
There may also be a special lump-sum death benefit.
Maximum Family Amount.
There's a limit to the amount that family members can receive each month. The limit varies, but it is generally equal to between 150% and 180% of the basic benefit rate.
If the sum of the benefits payable to family members is greater than this limit, the benefits will be reduced proportionately. Any benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse based on disability or age won't count toward this maximum amount.
Other Things You Need to Know
There are limits on how much survivors may earn while they receive benefits.
Benefits for a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse may be affected by several additional factors:
Note: If your current spouse is a Social Security beneficiary, you may want to apply for spouse's benefits on their record. If that amount is more than your widow's or widower's benefit, you will receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher amount.
A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.
Generally, the lump-sum is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse can still receive the lump-sum if, during the month the worker died, they met one of the following:
If there's no eligible surviving spouse, the lump-sum can be paid to the worker's child (or children) if, during the month the worker died, the child met one of the following:
If the eligible surviving spouse or child is not currently receiving benefits, they must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.
For more information about this lump-sum payment, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
The rules surrounding Social Security benefits for non-US persons are complicated. The exact requirements can vary depending on which country you’ve chosen for your new home.
However, there are some general rules to be aware of.
In order for your foreign spouse to claim Social Security benefits…
Again, the rules for claiming Social Security benefits can vary quite a bit depending on where you and your spouse live. For more information, we recommend consulting a qualified expat tax professional.