When a veteran passes away, the impact stretches far beyond grief—it can leave a major financial gap for the family. While many people know that spouses may be eligible for VA survivor benefits, fewer realize that children—including adopted, disabled, and even adult children—might also qualify for monthly compensation.
Knowing who’s eligible, what programs exist, and how much money could be available is crucial. For some families, this support could mean thousands of dollars a year.
Programs
Two key VA benefits are designed to support surviving children:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Survivors Pension
Both programs provide monthly financial help, but they come with different rules and eligibility requirements.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
This benefit is available to children of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition. To qualify, the child must be:
- Under 18 years old
- Or under 23 and enrolled full-time in school
- Or a “helpless child”—one who became permanently disabled before age 18
As of 2025, eligible children receive $409.53 per month, with an extra $350 monthly added during the first two years after the veteran’s passing. That adds up to nearly $760 per month during that initial period—a significant boost when it’s needed most.
Survivors Pension
This is more of a needs-based benefit. To qualify, a child must meet age or disability criteria and have a low annual income. The income limit is currently $2,902 per year. If a child earns less than that, the VA may issue monthly payments to fill in the gap.
The application process is simpler for children than it is for surviving spouses, who face additional factors like household size and income from other sources.
Eligibility
Here’s a quick breakdown of who’s eligible for what:
| Type of Child | DIC | Survivors Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Yes | Yes (income limits) |
| Full-time student (under 23) | Yes | Yes (income limits) |
| Disabled before age 18 | Yes | Yes (income limits) |
| Adopted child | Yes | Yes (if eligible) |
| Child with income over $2,902/year | No | No |
Surviving parents may also qualify for DIC, but not for the Survivors Pension. That program is strictly for children and spouses.
History
You might be surprised to know that the VA still supports descendants of veterans from the Spanish-American War. As of late 2023, 14 children of those veterans were still receiving monthly benefits. That just goes to show how far-reaching these programs can be—and how long they can last when eligible individuals apply and stay informed.
Tools
So, how do you know if you qualify?
The VA’s website, VA.gov, offers free benefit calculators and step-by-step eligibility guides. You can use these tools to get a pretty accurate estimate of what you or your child might receive each month.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, nonprofit organizations like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) can help at no cost. They’ll walk you through the process, help with paperwork, and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
If you’re the surviving child of a veteran—or know someone who is—knowing these benefits could mean hundreds of dollars a month, every month. It’s not just a financial lifeline—it’s recognition of a family’s sacrifice.
FAQs
How much is VA child DIC in 2025?
$409.53 monthly, plus $350 extra for 2 years.
Do adopted children qualify for VA benefits?
Yes, adopted children can qualify under VA rules.
What is the income limit for Survivor’s Pension?
$2,902 annually for children in 2025.
Who qualifies as a ‘helpless child’?
A child permanently disabled before age 18.
Can parents get the Survivors Pension?
No, only spouses and children are eligible.
