Does surviving spouse continue to receive VA disability benefits?
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and when that loved one was a veteran, the emotional and financial impact can be even more profound. One common question that arises for surviving spouses is whether they will continue to receive VA disability benefits after their spouse’s passing. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the VA’s policies regarding the continuation of these benefits for surviving spouses.
The VA provides various types of benefits to veterans, including disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits. When it comes to disability benefits, surviving spouses may be eligible to continue receiving these benefits under certain circumstances.
Understanding VA Disability Benefits for Surviving Spouses
VA disability benefits are designed to compensate veterans for their service-related disabilities. These benefits can include a monthly monetary payment, health care, and other forms of assistance. For surviving spouses, the eligibility for these benefits is determined by the veteran’s service record and the severity of their disability.
Eligibility Criteria for Surviving Spouses
To continue receiving VA disability benefits, a surviving spouse must meet the following criteria:
1. The veteran must have been rated at least 10% disabled at the time of their death.
2. The surviving spouse must not have remarried before the age of 57, as this would disqualify them from receiving survivor benefits.
3. The surviving spouse must not have deserted the veteran without cause.
4. The surviving spouse must not have remarried after the veteran’s death unless the remarriage has been terminated by death, annulment, or divorce.
Continuation of Benefits
If a surviving spouse meets the eligibility criteria, they can continue to receive the VA disability benefits that their deceased veteran was receiving. This means that the surviving spouse will receive the same monthly monetary payment as the veteran, along with any other benefits, such as health care, that were provided to the veteran.
VA Compensation for Dependents
In addition to the continuation of disability benefits, surviving spouses may also be eligible for other VA compensation for dependents, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). DIC is a monetary benefit paid to surviving spouses, children, and certain other dependents of veterans who die while on active duty or from service-related causes.
VA Health Care for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses may also continue to receive VA health care benefits, as long as they meet certain requirements. These requirements include being enrolled in the VA health care system, not being eligible for Medicare, and having a low income.
Conclusion
In conclusion, surviving spouses of veterans who were rated at least 10% disabled at the time of their death may continue to receive VA disability benefits. It is essential for surviving spouses to understand the eligibility criteria and the application process to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to. By familiarizing themselves with the VA’s policies, surviving spouses can seek the financial and emotional support they need during this challenging time.
