On May 5, 2025, the VA announced a new, three-pronged plan to assist eligible survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans seeking VA benefits and services. These changes are intended to eliminate barriers and streamline the application and adjudication process for these survivors.
Relocating the Office of Survivor’s Assistance
The Office of Survivors Assistance includes resources regarding VA benefits and services for survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans. In 2021, this Office was moved from the Office of the VA Secretary to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
However, now, as part of the VA’s reforms, the VA is moving the Office of Survivor’s Assistance back to the Office of the VA Secretary. The Office of the VA Secretary will be equipped with five full-time employees who will be dedicated to advising the VA Secretary on all matters impacting survivors. The VA has announced that this move back to the Office of the VA Secretary will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
“White-Glove” Survivor Outreach Team
Previously, the VA did not have a way to gather information from survivors navigating the benefit process. As part of the survivor benefit reforms, the VA will be starting a “white-glove” survivor outreach team that will receive specialized training in order to guide and assist eligible survivors throughout their Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims process.
DIC benefits are tax-free monetary benefits awarded to surviving spouses, children, and/or parents of a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty training, or to survivors of Veterans who died from service-connected conditions.
Claim Automation
The VA also plans to start using automation to make the DIC claim process easier for survivors to navigate. Currently, VA automates more than 1,000 DIC claims payments or adjustments per day and is working to increase automation that will expedite survivors’ claims and improve their experience. VA will also be identifying additional areas where automation can be used to make all benefits delivery processes easier to navigate for eligible surviving dependents.
Interested in Applying for Survivor Benefits?
First, you will need to complete an application. Which application you use will depend on whether you are a surviving spouse, child, or parent, and the deceased service member’s military status.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, a military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete and submit an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a).
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).
To submit the application, you can use one of the following methods:
- Apply online using the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA.
- Mail the application to the Pension Intake Center:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Pension Intake Center
- P.O. Box 5365
- Janesville, WI 53547-5365
- Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee
- Apply with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.
When you submit the application, make sure to include any supporting documents that you may have, such as marriage certificates, death certificates, and military seperation documentation (the DD214). Also, make a photocopy of your application and any evidence you send to the VA before submitting it.
For more information on how to apply for other survivor benefits, such as a burial flag or a headstone, be sure to visit the Office of Survivors Assistance or review the VA’s legacy planning information here: Planning Your Legacy: VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit.
If you have been denied survivor benefits, including DIC benefits or accrued benefits, Vets National Advocates is available to discuss your appeal options. Call 877-777-4021. Or, fill out our Denied Claims Rapid Response Form today!
