Parents' DIC is an income-based monthly benefit for the parents, or parent, of a military service member or veteran (hereafter referred to as "veteran") who has died. The following is a summary of Parents' DIC:

Parents' DIC is an income-based monthly benefit for the parents, or parent, of a military service member or veteran (hereafter referred to as "veteran") who died from:

  • A disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training, OR
  • An injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while on inactive duty for training, OR
  • A service-connected disability.

Parent's DIC Eligibility

The term "parent" includes a biological, adoptive, and foster parents. A foster parent is a person who stood in the relationship of a parent to the veteran for at least one year before the veteran's last entry into active duty.

Parent's DIC Payment Rates

The following are the maximum annual rates paid. Rates are reduced based on the countable income of the parent or parents.

Sole Surviving Parent Living or Not Living With a Spouse

$7,850

with Aid & Attendance Allowance (A&A)

11,546

One of Two Parents Not Living with a Spouse

5,938

with A&A

9,634

One of Two Parents Living with a Spouse

6,638

with A&A

10,334

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Parent's DIC Benefit is Income Based

Eligibility to Parents' DIC is based on need. When countable income exceeds the limit set by law, no benefit is payable. Eligible parents must report all sources of income to VA; for example, gross wages, retirement annuity, insurance proceeds or annuity, interest, and dividends. The spouse's income must also be included if living with a spouse. A spouse may be the other parent of the deceased veteran, or from remarriage.

The following are the current income limits:

Sole Surviving Parent, or One of Two Parents Not Living With a Spouse $13,456
Sole Surviving Parent Living with a Spouse, or One of Two Parents Living With a Spouse $18,087
Note: Income limits are effective December 1, 2008. Limits change annually.

View the full tables on the Dept. of Veterans Affairs website.


"Countable" Income Reduced

Yes. Unusual medical expenses may be used to reduce countable income. They are amounts actually paid by parents during the calendar year for medical expenses for themselves and for relatives they are under an obligation to support, for which they are not reimbursed by insurance. In computing the parents' income, VA will deduct the amount the parents paid for medical expenses, if found qualified, by use of a formula provided by law.

Application Process

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-535 [Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s)], and submitting it to the VA regional office that serves your area. Call the toll-free number below for information about supporting materials that VA may need to process your claim.

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000.