Social Security and benefits
What is DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)?
Short answer
A tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Apply through the VA with VA Form 21P-534EZ. A county Veterans Service Officer can help for free.
What this usually means
A tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Apply through the VA with VA Form 21P-534EZ. A county Veterans Service Officer can help for free.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.