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10.3. Parents Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

(Parents Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is for the Surviving Parents of Veterans

You may be able to get compensation as a surviving parent if both of the descriptions below are true for you. You’ll also need to provide evidence with your claim showing that one of the descriptions below is true for the Veteran or service member. Evidence may include documents like military service records, doctor’s reports, and medical test results.

Both of these must be true:

• You’re the biological, adoptive, or foster parent of the Veteran or service member, and
• Your income is below a certain amount
  View the parents DIC rate table

Note: VA defines a foster parent as someone who served in the role of a parent to the Veteran or service member before their last entry into active service.

You’ll also need to provide evidence that one of these descriptions is true for the Veteran or service member:

• The service member died from an injury or illness while on active duty or in the line of duty while on active duty for training, or
• The service member died from an injury or certain illnesses in the line of duty while on inactive training, or
• The Veteran died from a service-connected illness or injury

If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).

Download VA Form 21P-535 (PDF)

You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:

• Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state.
  Find your PMC
• Work with an accredited representative.
  Get help filing your claim
• Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.
  Find a VA regional office near you