Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Rates for 2025

Veterans benefits are adjusted annually based on the increase in the cost of living across the preceding year. The increase applies not only to VA disability benefits but also to other VA benefits such as DIC benefits. Here’s what you need to know about rates for 2025. 

About DIC Benefits

Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monetary benefit available to certain dependents of deceased service members or veterans. The most common recipients of DIC benefits are the veteran’s spouse and children. In some circumstances, parents of the deceased veteran may also be eligible. 

Certain other criteria apply. For example, a surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year before the veteran’s death, unless they had a child with the veteran and certain other requirements are met.

Eligible dependents qualify for DIC benefits if the servicemember or veteran: 

• Died during military service, including while on active duty, active-duty training or inactive-duty training, or
• Died as a result of a service-connected condition, or
• Had been entitled to 100% VA disability compensation (or TDIU) for a certain period before their death

The period the veteran must have been eligible for 100% compensation or TDIU may be as little as one year or as long as 10 years, depending on other factors. 

2025 COLA for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

In 2024, the base monthly benefit amount for DIC was $1,612.74. Like VA disability benefits, DIC benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025. That raises the base benefit amount to $1,653.06 for 2025. 

Some recipients may be eligible for additional benefits. For example, a surviving spouse receiving DIC benefits may receive an additional monthly benefit for each dependent child under 18. There is also a temporary monthly transitional benefit for surviving spouses with minor children. 

Other reasons a surviving spouse might qualify for additional benefits include being housebound, requiring aid & attendance, or having been married to the deceased veteran for at least eight years during which the veteran had a 100% VA disability rating or a TDIU classification. 

Veterans Help Group is Here for You

If you’re the surviving spouse or other dependent of a recently deceased military service member or disabled veteran, you may be unsure of what benefits are available to you or how to pursue them. Our experienced advocates have extensive knowledge of VA eligibility requirements and processes and can help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits you deserve.

To learn more, call us at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.

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