Six Categories of Survivor’s Benefits: Special Monthly Benefits

Survivor’s benefits are awarded to the survivors of deceased veterans, awarded based on the deceased veteran’s service and/or service-connected disabilities.

Who is eligible? A surviving spouse; dependent children under the age of 18; children who are over 18 but permanently incapable of self-support; dependent parents, based on income; and persons who paid the veteran’s funeral expenses. 

There are six categories of survivor’s benefits; the fifth is a Special Monthly Benefit under 38 CFR § 3.351 and 3.352. This is a benefit available to survivors with special medical needs who may qualify for special monthly benefits that can be added to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or a pension.

The benefit may be available to (1) Housebound surviving spouses if medical evidence shows that they are substantially confined to a dwelling and its immediate premises, an institution or ward; and (2) spouses who require Aid & Attendance, meaning they are a long-term patient in a nursing home or there is medical evidence showing that the claimant:

• Requires the assistance of another to protect them from the hazards of daily living; 

• Is bedridden; or 

• Has corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes or a concentric contraction of visual field to 5° or less.

To apply for benefits based on Housebound or Aid & Attendance status, respectively, use VA Form #21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid & Attendance; or VA Form 21-0779, Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance. Note that the VA does not provide examinations for surviving spouses to support claims for Housebound or Aid & Attendance status.

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where VVA does not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.

Watch this space for more information on survivor’s benefits in the weeks to come!