DIC and Survivors Pension Claims Now Paid Faster

Survivors’ benefits can be a lifeline for spouses, children, and even parents of a deceased veteran. Unfortunately, survivors have often had to wait months for benefits–sometimes even a year or more. One reason for the delay is that, until recently, claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and survivor pension claims were processed individually. And, the VA didn’t start paying benefits until both claims were decided. 

Fortunately, in February of 2026, a new rule changed that. Here’s what you need to know about the two types of benefits, how processing has changed, and what it means for your benefits. 

DIC and Survivor Pension – What’s the Difference?

DIC and survivor pensions are both benefits survivors of a deceased service member or veteran may receive. The eligibility requirements are different, but many survivors meet both sets. 

Dependency and Indemnity Benefits

The survivor of a deceased service member or veteran may be eligible for DIC benefits when: 

• The deceased died:
  • As a result of a service-connected disability, or
  • After having been rated 100% disabled for at least 10 years, or
  • While on active duty or in training, and
• The claimant is:
  • A surviving spouse of the deceased who meets certain criteria
  • A minor child of the deceased (if there is a surviving spouse, their benefits are increased to account for minor children)
  • A child of the deceased between the ages of 18 and 23 who is in a qualifying school program
  • An adult child who is unable to care for themself due to a disability that occurred before age 18
  • A parent of the deceased if they have very limited income

In 2026, the base rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36/month. That amount is increased if there are minor children, and may also be increased by factors such as the 8-year rule and whether the surviving spouse requires Aid and Attendance. 

Survivor Pension

A survivor pension is available when: 

• The deceased: 
  • Entered active after September 7, 1980 and served at least 24 months or the full term for which they were called to active duty and served at least one day during wartime*, or
  • Was an officer, entered active duty after October 16, 1981, and had not previously served 24 months on active duty
• The claimant is:
  • A surviving spouse who meets income and asset limits
  • A minor child of the deceased (if there is a surviving spouse, their benefits are increased to account for minor children)
  • A child of the deceased between the ages of 18 and 23 who is in a qualifying school program
  • An adult child who is unable to care for themself due to a disability that occurred before age 18

*Different criteria apply if the deceased entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980.

Unlike DIC, survivor pension benefits are reduced based on the claimant’s income. And, if earnings or assets exceed the limit, the survivor won’t be eligible for benefits.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Why Did It Take So Long to Get DIC or Survivor Pension Benefits

The VA had a reason for fully processing both claims before paying any benefits to survivors: you can’t receive both DIC benefits and survivor pension benefits. So, after one claim was processed, the VA would hold off on awarding benefits until the other was also processed. If the claimant was eligible for both benefits, only the one with the larger monthly benefit was awarded. 

Survivor pension claims require income verification, so they can take longer to process than DIC claims. However, survivor pension benefits are typically lower than DIC benefits. That means the survivor might wait months for the pension claim to be decided, only to find out that it didn’t change the benefits awarded at all. 

February 2026 Changes to Processing of Surviving Dependent Claims

With the new rule in place, surviving dependents still can’t get both DIC benefits and survivor pension benefits. And, the two claims will still be processed separately. However, there’s no more waiting around to see whether both claims are approved and which pays more in benefits. Instead, the VA will start paying benefits as soon as one claim or the other is approved. 

If the second claim is also approved, then the VA will make the assessment as to which is more beneficial to the survivors. But the family may have been receiving benefits for weeks or months when the process reaches that point. If adjustments are necessary after the second determination, the VA can easily make them.

What This Means for Survivors

This simple change in processing and approval procedures could mean families who have lost their servicemember or veteran spouse or parent could receive benefits months earlier. The shorter waiting period can make a critical difference to survivors who lost a significant source of household income when the servicemember or veteran passed away. 

The change may also help ensure that survivors receive all of the benefits they’re entitled to. In the past, survivors were sometimes reluctant to apply for both types of benefits, knowing that the second decision-making process would likely delay receipt of the other.

At the same time, the VA has been taking other steps to speed up VA disability claim processes and other related processes. In 2026, the average processing time for a survivor pension has dropped from 172 days to 73. The average processing time for a DIC claim is also 73 days–down from 163. 

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Get the Help You Need with DIC and Survivor Pension Benefits

Despite the changes speeding up the process, claims can be delayed by simple mistakes or by failure to provide the information and evidence the VA is looking for. To improve your chances of getting a quick, positive decision, consider talking to an experienced VA disability benefits advocate before you get started. 

At Disabled Vets, our advocates have the knowledge and determination to fight for the best outcome possible for you. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form HERE for a FREE case evaluation. 

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form