Spouse benefits depend on two things: whether the veteran is alive, and whether they are rated . Many benefits require P&T, not just 100%. The VA defines P&T as 100% disabling and not expected to improve. and both require it. If you qualify for , CHAMPVA is not available.
Is the veteran alive?
for spouses who do not qualify for . Requires veteran rated from service-connected disability. $50 individual / $100 family deductible, 25% cost share, $3,000 household catastrophic cap per year. If Medicare-eligible, VA requires Part A and Part B (or Medicare Advantage). Apply with VA Form 10-10d.
. Eligible if veteran is P&T. If qualifying event on or after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit. Up to 36 months for training started on or after August 1, 2018. Apply online or with VA Form 22-5490. Coordinate with the school certifying official.
. Benefits: monthly stipend, CHAMPVA if no other plan, respite care, mental health, commissary access. Do not send medical records with the application. Apply with VA Form 10-10CG. VA assigns caregiver no later than 90 days after receipt.
. Not a separate payment to the spouse. Veteran needs 30%+ combined rating. Add or update with VA Form 21-686c.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Full guide to eligibility paths, add-ons, remarriage, CHAMPVA, filing, and official sources.
Open DIC guideeven when death was not service-connected if veteran was totally disabled for 10 years before death, or 5 years since release and immediately before death, or 1 year for certain former POWs. with effective dates. Apply with VA Form 21P-534EZ. Submit to protect the earliest effective date.
. For surviving spouses of wartime veterans. Income and net worth limits apply. Same form as DIC (21P-534EZ).
. Surviving spouse first in line. Must apply within 1 year of death. Substitution applies when claims or appeals were pending.
. Qualifying scenarios include totally-disabled-then-died pathway. Burial benefits: VA automated maximum burial payments to most eligible surviving spouses in 2014.
Universal documents: DD214, marriage certificate, death certificate (if survivor). Program-specific:
: Supplemental Claim (new evidence), Higher-Level Review (no new evidence), Board Appeal. These apply to spouses, survivors, and caregivers.
a noncompetitive military spouse hiring authority that includes spouses of 100% disabled members. Derived preference may apply when the veteran cannot use preference due to disability or unemployability.
All authority claims on this page are supported by the following sources. Links open in a new tab.
VA defines permanent and total as a disability rated 100% disabling that is not expected to improve. CHAMPVA and DEA require P&T for spouse eligibility.
VA cost-sharing health benefit for spouses who do not qualify for TRICARE. Requires veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability.
CHAMPVA is not available if you qualify for TRICARE. The programs are mutually exclusive.
Education benefits for spouses of veterans permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability. No time limit if qualifying event on or after Aug 1, 2023.
Caregiver program. Veteran needs 70%+ rating, 6+ months personal care, VA health care enrollment. VA assigns caregiver no later than 90 days after application.
Veteran may receive higher disability compensation for dependents at 30%+ combined rating. VA Form 21-686c.
DIC may be payable when death was not service-connected if veteran was totally disabled for 10 years before death, or 5 years since release, or 1 year for certain POWs.
VA publishes date-stamped rate tables. Base amount and add-ons for 8-year provision, Aid and Attendance, housebound, children.
Needs-based. For surviving spouses of wartime veterans. Income and net worth limits apply.
Benefits owed but unpaid at death. Surviving spouse first in line. Must apply within 1 year of death.
Surviving spouses need a COE. Qualifying scenarios include totally-disabled-then-died pathway.
Supplemental Claim (new evidence), Higher-Level Review (no new evidence), Board Appeal. Applies to spouses, survivors, caregivers.
Submitting intent to file secures the earliest possible effective date. You have 1 year to complete the claim.
Noncompetitive military spouse hiring authority includes spouses of 100% disabled members. Derived preference when veteran cannot use it.
VA hub for family and caregiver benefits: CHAMPVA, caregiver support, survivor compensation, education, housing.