Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of deceased veterans. The veteran's death must be met have been related to his or her service or the death that occurred after ten years of obtaining a 100% Service Connected Disability, or for five years after discharge if the veteran was 100% disabled upon discharge.
Under no circumstance does the widow(er) receive the veteran's benefits after the veteran passes away.
Upon death, the surviving spouse may request the month of death benefit for disabled veterans. The spouse should contact the county veterans service office to apply for the benefit. In some instances, the VA will automatically make payment but survivors should contact the CVSO to follow up on the payment.
DIC is a direct compensation to the surviving spouse of veterans and is not the same as a pension program.
Upon being awarded entitlement to DIC, the surviving spouse is also eligible for CHAMPVA medical, VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), and the Wisconsin Property Tax Credit program.