Washington, D.C. — The spouses of deceased veterans who lost Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) survivor benefits when they remarried may be eligible for restored Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits if they are no longer married.
Legislation signed by the President June 9 repeals a 1990 law that permanently terminated eligibility for DIC for a veteran’s surviving spouse who remarried after the death of the veteran. The pre-1990 policy, which will be renewed effective October 1, allows benefits to be restored if the marriage is terminated. The basic monthly rate for DIC is currently $850.
“We are mounting a concerted outreach campaign, by direct mail and through various public notification processes, to inform eligible spouses of this restored benefit,” said VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joseph Thompson.
Veterans’ spouses should contact their local VA Regional Office or call VA toll-free at (800) 827-1000 for assistance. Information on DIC benefits may also be found on VA’s Internet Home Page at www.va.gov.
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