SBP (Survivor Benefits Plan) and DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation): Can You Get Both? 

The short answer is yes. Eligible surviving dependents can receive both Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) benefits from the VA and the Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) annuity from the military. It’s a fair question, though, because that hasn’t always been true. SBP benefits used to offset DIC benefits, meaning that part or all of the SBP benefit could be wiped out based on DIC benefits received. 

The law changed in 2020, and offsets were phased out between 2021 and 2023. Since February of 2023, there has been no offset. That means survivors who are eligible for both benefits can receive full payment from each. 

Here’s what you need to know about each type of benefit, who is eligible, and what you can do to make sure you receive all of the benefits you deserve. 

SBP v. DIC

Though both benefit a veteran’s survivors, SBP and DIC are two very different programs that operate very differently. Here’s a quick overview of the key similarities and differences. 

Survivor Benefits Plan in Detail

SBP is like an insurance plan. Survivors of those receiving military retired pay do not automatically qualify for SBP. Instead, the servicemember must elect to pay for those benefits. The monthly premium for SBP benefits depends in part on the “basis” the servicemember chooses. 

In 2026, the basis for SBP can be anywhere between $300 and the servicemember’s full monthly military retired pay. The survivors receive 55% of that basis. So, if the service member chooses the lowest possible basis of $300, survivors will receive $165/month. On the other hand, if the full amount of retired pay is $3,500/month and the service member chooses the maximum basis, survivors will receive $1,925/month.

If you’re wondering why anyone would choose a smaller basis–and thus a smaller benefit–it’s because the monthly cost of SBP depends on the coverage. For the surviving spouse, the monthly payment is 6.5% of the benefit amount. So, the service member who chooses a basis of $300 pays just $19.50/month for coverage. On the other hand, using the full $3,500 in our example above as the basis, the cost jumps to $227.50/month.

The servicemember can also decide whether to add child coverage. There is an additional cost for the additional coverage. In some cases, the service member may provide benefits for someone else who has an “insurable interest.” However, that option is only available if there is no spouse or child to cover.

DIC in Detail

DIC is available to qualifying dependents without any prior planning on the part of the deceased veteran. However, not every surviving spouse of a deceased veteran is eligible. A surviving spouse qualifies or DIC only if they:

• Married the veteran/service member within 15 years of discharge from the term of service that caused or aggravated their medical condition, OR
• Have been married the veteran/servicemember for at least one year, OR
• Had a child with the veteran or service member

A surviving spouse may also be disqualified by remarriage, or if they were not living with the servicemember/veteran up to their death. 

Benefits are also available for minor children of the deceased, young adult children (under 23) who are enrolled in a qualifying school program, some disabled adult children, and some parents. Unlike SBP benefits, the monthly amount is the same for all recipients in a particular category, though some may be eligible for add-ons. 

In 2026, the benefit amounts by dependent type are: 

Benefits for surviving parents are available only when the parent has very low income and are calculated differently.

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

Combining DIC and SBP

Since the set-off was fully eliminated in early 2023, survivors have been able to receive full SBP benefits and full DIC benefits simultaneously. That’s a significant increase in potential monthly income for many. For example, the surviving spouse in our SBP example above could receive the $1,925 monthly from the Department of Defense (DoD) while also receiving $1,699.36/month in DIC benefits through the VA. The spouse could also receive add-on benefits for minor children and under certain other circumstances.

But the change won’t benefit everyone. In most situations, the service member has just one opportunity to elect SBP and set their basis. Unfortunately, that means that those who opted out of SBP coverage because the benefits would have been largely or completely lost to offset can’t go back and opt in now. 

Disabled Vets Fights for Veterans and Their Survivors

The interplay between DoD benefits and VA benefits is just one of the many complications veterans and their dependents and survivors can face when pursuing benefits the veteran earned with their service. The best way to avoid costly mistakes and ensure access to all of the benefits you’re entitled to is to work with an experienced veterans’ benefits advocate from the beginning. 

At Disabled Vets, our advocates have extensive experience with the application and appeals processes for many types of benefits. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form right now HERE. 

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