Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Dependents

Beyond a veteran’s own burial benefits, surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for additional support worth understanding.

Can a surviving spouse be buried with the veteran in a national cemetery?

Yes, generally — eligible spouses can generally be buried in the same national cemetery as the veteran, typically at no cost, similar to the veteran’s own burial benefits. In some cases, dependent children may also qualify.

What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment potentially available to an eligible surviving spouse, child, or in some cases parent, generally tied to a veteran’s death from a service-connected condition, or certain other specific qualifying circumstances. Eligibility requirements are detailed and situation-specific — confirming directly with the VA is the most reliable way to understand what applies.

Does the surviving spouse need to reapply for benefits, or does this happen automatically?

Survivor benefits are not automatic — they generally require their own application process through the VA, separate from the veteran’s own burial arrangements.

What if the spouse remarries?

Remarriage can affect eligibility for certain survivor benefits depending on specific circumstances and age at remarriage - this is worth confirming directly with the VA given how situation-specific the rules can be.

What should I do next?

Start by contacting a local veteran service officer — often available through veteran service organizations or county veteran affairs offices — who can help navigate the specific application process and confirm what a surviving spouse or dependent may qualify for. Have the veteran’s discharge paperwork (DD-214) on hand, since most applications ask for it.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: where the veteran’s DD-214 and other service records are kept - a surviving spouse or dependent will need them to apply for these benefits, and they’re often one of the hardest documents to track down after the fact.

For stepchildren and unmarried partners, see stepchildren and inheritance and unmarried partners and what happens when a partner dies.

Eligibility rules for survivor benefits are detailed and can change — confirm current specifics directly with the VA or a veteran service officer.