VA Survivor Benefits Calculator

What Are VA Survivor Benefits?

VA survivor benefits are monthly payments made to eligible family members of a deceased veteran. These benefits are managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are two main programs:

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
2. Survivor Pension

Each program has different eligibility rules and payment structures.

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, often called DIC, is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to:

• Surviving spouses
• Eligible children
• Eligible parents

DIC is usually available when:

• The veteran died from a service-connected condition, or
• The veteran had a service-connected disability rating (often 10% or higher)

Who Qualifies for DIC?

The calculator checks:

• Your relationship to the veteran (spouse, child, or parent)
• Cause of death (service-connected or not)
• Veteran’s disability rating
• Child status (minor, student, or disabled before 18)
• Remarriage details (for spouses)

For example:

• A surviving spouse whose partner died from a service-connected injury may qualify.
• A child under 18 may qualify.
• A parent may qualify depending on circumstances.

What Affects DIC Payment Amount?

The calculator considers:

• Base monthly rate
• Number of dependents
• Aid and Attendance status
• Housebound status

Aid and Attendance means you need help with daily activities like bathing or dressing.
Housebound means you are mostly confined to your home due to disability.

2. Survivor Pension

Survivor Pension is different from DIC. It is a needs-based benefit.

It is designed for low-income surviving spouses or dependent children of wartime veterans.

Who Qualifies for Survivor Pension?

The calculator reviews:

• Relationship to the veteran
• Veteran’s wartime service
• Your annual income
• Your net worth
• Medical expenses
• Dependents
• Aid and Attendance or Housebound status

Unlike DIC, Survivor Pension depends heavily on financial limits.

Key Factors the VA Survivor Benefits Calculator Uses

The calculator you provided collects detailed information to estimate eligibility and payment.

Here is what each section means.

1. Relationship to the Veteran

You select:

• Spouse
• Child
• Parent

This determines which benefit rules apply.

2. Benefit Type

You choose:

• DIC
• Survivor Pension

If you qualify for DIC, that usually takes priority.

3. Veteran’s Service

Options include:

• Wartime service
• Peacetime service
• Discharged due to service-connected disability

Wartime service is important for Survivor Pension eligibility.

4. Cause of Death

You select:

• Service-connected
• Non-service-connected
• Unknown

Service-connected deaths strongly support DIC eligibility.

5. Veteran’s Disability Rating

The calculator includes ratings from 0% to 100%.

Higher disability ratings may increase the chance of DIC eligibility.

6. Remarriage Information (Spouses)

If you remarried, the calculator checks:

• Date of veteran’s death
• Date of remarriage

Certain remarriage situations can affect eligibility.

7. Income and Net Worth (Pension Only)

For Survivor Pension, financial limits matter.

The calculator reviews:

• Annual gross income
• Net worth (excluding home, car, personal items)
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses

Medical expenses reduce your countable income, which may increase eligibility.

Example:

If your annual income is $30,000
And medical expenses are $10,000
Your countable income becomes $20,000

That difference can determine approval.

8. Dependents

More dependents may increase benefit amounts.

The calculator adjusts payment levels based on how many dependents you report.

9. Aid and Attendance or Housebound Status

These options can increase monthly payments.

Aid and Attendance usually provides the highest increase.

What Results Does the Calculator Show?

After clicking Calculate, the tool provides:

• Eligible Benefit Type
• Monthly Benefit Amount
• Annual Benefit Amount
• Additional Allowances
• Income Limit
• Net Worth Limit
• Countable Income
• Eligibility Status
• Recommendation

This gives you a clear snapshot of your estimated situation.

Example Scenario

Let’s say:

• You are a surviving spouse
• The veteran’s death was service-connected
• You have one dependent
• You require Aid and Attendance

The calculator may show:

• Eligible Benefit Type: DIC
• Monthly Benefit: Base rate plus dependent increase
• Additional Allowance: Aid and Attendance added
• Eligibility: Eligible

This helps you understand what to expect before applying.

Why Use a VA Survivor Benefits Calculator?

A calculator helps you:

• Estimate monthly and annual payments
• Check income limits
• Understand financial eligibility
• Prepare before contacting the VA
• Avoid surprises

It does not replace an official decision. But it helps you feel more prepared.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator uses 2023 VA guidelines.
Actual benefits may change due to:

• Updated federal rates
• Policy changes
• Unique personal circumstances

Always confirm with your local VA regional office for an official determination.

When to Contact the VA Directly

You should contact the VA if:

• You are unsure whether the death was service-connected
• You need help documenting income
• You have complex remarriage questions
• You believe the calculator result is incorrect

An accredited VA representative or veterans service organization can also help.