Social Security and benefits
What veteran benefits are available after a death?
Short answer
Burial benefits (plot allowance and marker), survivor pension for low-income surviving spouses, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the death was service-connected, and educational benefits for dependents. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or your county Veterans Service Office.
What this usually means
Burial benefits (plot allowance and marker), survivor pension for low-income surviving spouses, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the death was service-connected, and educational benefits for dependents. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or your county Veterans Service Office.
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.