Benefit Review: VA Death Pension

In cases where VA determines that the service members death was outside the line of duty and that the survivors are not, therefore, eligible for DIC payments, the survivors may still be eligible for benefits from a VA Death Pension. Benefits may be payable if the service member had completed at least 2 years of active honorable service. Survivors of veterans with at least 90 days wartime service who were not dishonorably discharged may also qualify for VA pension benefits even though his or her death was not service connected. A determination for eligibility will be based in part on financial need of the surviving spouse and/or children. In either of these situations, the VA will make a determination based on the facts of each case. It is, therefore, extremely important that you contact the nearest VA Regional Office for information and assistance. Find out if you're eligible.