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Does the surviving spouse get their spouse's VA disability benefits when they die?
Posted on 4/2/24 at 12:46 pm
Posted on 4/2/24 at 12:46 pm
I was reading up on this and was told by someone that when the person getting the benefits dies, the surviving spouse will automatically receive them..or at least part of what they were receiving.
But it looks like if the surviving spouse makes over a certain limit set by congress, then they wouldn't be eligible. FYI the amount is only like $23,000.
Just would like some clarification. Thanks
But it looks like if the surviving spouse makes over a certain limit set by congress, then they wouldn't be eligible. FYI the amount is only like $23,000.
Just would like some clarification. Thanks
This post was edited on 4/2/24 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 4/2/24 at 1:11 pm to Ray Finkle
When the veteran dies the VA kills the surviving spouse and buries them in the same grave as the service member free of charge.
But seriously, best advice is to find and seek the assistance of a local VA service officer (experiences may vary), veteran who has used extensive VA benefits, or visit a “vet center” and see if they have help. Local congressmen are usually pretty helpful for issues as well because it’s an easy PR stunt for them.
The VA can and does provide some fantastic and generous benefits but navigating the process is the hard part. Best of luck helping your parents or whoever.
ETA:
I’m also fairly convinced that anything is possible with the VA depending on how persistent and compelling the claimant can be. I hate the massive fraud that some veterans are committing for benefits but for legitimate cases I’d recommend asking for whatever you think you can make a compelling argument for. Then when they deny it, be a big enough pain in the arse to get someone in the bureaucratic leviathan to make it happen.
But seriously, best advice is to find and seek the assistance of a local VA service officer (experiences may vary), veteran who has used extensive VA benefits, or visit a “vet center” and see if they have help. Local congressmen are usually pretty helpful for issues as well because it’s an easy PR stunt for them.
The VA can and does provide some fantastic and generous benefits but navigating the process is the hard part. Best of luck helping your parents or whoever.
ETA:
I’m also fairly convinced that anything is possible with the VA depending on how persistent and compelling the claimant can be. I hate the massive fraud that some veterans are committing for benefits but for legitimate cases I’d recommend asking for whatever you think you can make a compelling argument for. Then when they deny it, be a big enough pain in the arse to get someone in the bureaucratic leviathan to make it happen.
This post was edited on 4/2/24 at 1:17 pm
Posted on 4/2/24 at 1:18 pm to Ray Finkle
I believe the surviving spouse is only entitled if the death is related to the disability/service connection.
Best thing to do is to apply for aid and attendance widow's pension (currently $1,500/mo tax free)
Best thing to do is to apply for aid and attendance widow's pension (currently $1,500/mo tax free)
Posted on 4/2/24 at 2:45 pm to SDVTiger
Thanks all.
A few years ago I new a a couple and the guy told the girl they should get married because if something happens to him, she'll get his benefits. I think it was a ploy to get her to marry him, have kids and be stuck.
A few years ago I new a a couple and the guy told the girl they should get married because if something happens to him, she'll get his benefits. I think it was a ploy to get her to marry him, have kids and be stuck.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 7:27 am to SDVTiger
My dad got pension and mom got it after his death and submitting their “history” of paperwork. VA held some of her first few checks because of her diagnosis, dementia. I had to be declared a fiduciary to handle the money. However, I had been Handling their estate for several years as POA. We got Aid & Attendance for both of them.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 12:12 pm to TheOcean
quote:
I believe the surviving spouse is only entitled if the death is related to the disability/service connection.
That is correct. If the death was more likely than not caused by the service-connected disability, then compensation would be available to the spouse. I'm sure there's the whole burden of proof given how much of a PIA the VA is, but it could be a possibility but not a given.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 7:26 pm to Ray Finkle
Reddit r/veteransbenefits is a great resource for navigating VA benefits https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/
Posted on 4/3/24 at 7:31 pm to Ray Finkle
This is probably what you're looking for
VA.gov
quote:
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Servicemember’s death during military service, or by the death of a Veteran as a result of a service-connected disability. VA also pays these benefits to the survivors of a Veteran whose death is not service-connected, but who was rated by VA as being totally disabled due to a service-connected disability for a specified period of time immediately preceding death.
VA.gov
Posted on 4/3/24 at 8:01 pm to TorchtheFlyingTiger
Say the vet is 50….What if the surviving spouse, 45 years old, has a normal job, making 60+ a year and the vet passes away due to an accident? Do they get anything?
Posted on 4/3/24 at 8:11 pm to Ray Finkle
Was the death due to service or a disability caused by the member's service? If no, then she wouldn't be eligible
Posted on 4/3/24 at 8:48 pm to Ray Finkle
I doubt she qualifies for monthly disability unless the accident is attributed to his service connected disability or
I'm just learning about this VA stuff though. There are some experts including VA employees that are eager to help on reddit. I'd ask there.
quote:
If the Veteran’s eligibility was due to a rating of totally disabling, they must have had this rating:
For at least 10 years before their death, or
Since their release from active duty and for at least 5 years immediately before their death, or
For at least 1 year before their death if they were a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999
Note: “Totally disabling” means the Veteran’s injuries made it impossible for them to work.
I'm just learning about this VA stuff though. There are some experts including VA employees that are eager to help on reddit. I'd ask there.
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 8:49 pm
Posted on 4/3/24 at 10:14 pm to Ray Finkle
If you are 100% service connected the surviving spouse keeps getting paid. Kids college is free to at 100%. It’s a scam for most but lucrative.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 11:49 pm to Drizzt
According to the VA website the criteria is "totally disabling" meaning unable to work which is different than the language for 100% permanent/total which is a combined rating of all disabilities and no relevance of working ability. I'm unsure if that makes a difference though as everything I've read seems to indicate a combined 100% rating also qualifies w or without unemployability.
I wouldnt call it "a scam for most". It is compensation for all the health issues related to years of military service. People dont understand the criteria and misconstrue that it is similar to SS disability and somehow implies an inability to work.
I wouldnt call it "a scam for most". It is compensation for all the health issues related to years of military service. People dont understand the criteria and misconstrue that it is similar to SS disability and somehow implies an inability to work.
This post was edited on 4/4/24 at 12:11 am
Posted on 4/4/24 at 8:47 am to TorchtheFlyingTiger
Unemployability is separate from 100% service connection. You get extra tax free money for unemployability. I see people apply for unemployability all the time when they retire. I say “sir, you are 75 years old and just retired. That is not unemployable just because you stopped working.” And it’s definitely a scam for most. I see these cases all the time.
This post was edited on 4/4/24 at 8:48 am
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