VA | Family member

As a service member's spouse, child, or parent, you share in that service member's service and sacrifice. So after your loved one leaves the service, you may qualify for certain VA benefits. And if your family member died or was seriously injured in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related injury or disease, you may receive additional assistance. 

Did You Know...

• You may qualify for monthly payments that are tax-free and not counted as income.
• You may be entitled to comprehensive health care benefits and affordable dental coverage through the VA dental insurance program.
• You may be eligible for education and training assistance to earn a degree or professional certificate, become an apprentice, or learn on the job.

VA Serves Veterans 

In gratitude for their honorable service to our nation, VA provides benefits to help Veterans take care of their family; buy, retain, or modify a home; earn a degree; start a career; stay healthy; and do so much more in their life after the military.

VA also recognizes the family members who support Veterans and service members. Explore these VA benefits that may be available to spouses, dependents, and survivors:

• Monthly payments. Under the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program, VA provides income to certain surviving loved ones of deceased Veterans and service members. Annual payments average about $15,500 to spouses and $7,000 to children. Spouses or children of service members who died while on duty or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities may qualify. Parents may also benefit.
• Health coverage. Under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA, the medical expenses of spouses and children of Veterans may be covered in whole or in part. To qualify, the Veteran must either be rated permanently and totally disabled due to service or have died while rated as such or as a result of service or a service-connected disability.
• Education, pension, home loan, and other benefits. You or your children may have earned education benefits to pay for college or training. Survivors of Veterans who are of limited means may qualify for VA pensions. As a surviving spouse, you might qualify for a VA home loan. In addition, you or your children may receive burial benefits and many other services.

Find Out How You Can Benefit 

Explore VA benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors, including eligibility rules and how to apply, at VA.gov/family-member-benefits.