Survivors and Dependents Benefits
Death Pensions
Eligibility
You must meet these requirements to be eligible:
- The decreased veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged.
- If the deceased veteran served before Sept. 7, 1980, the veteran must have served for at least 90 days with one of those days coming during wartime.
- If the deceased veteran served after Sept. 8, 1980, the veteran must have served for at least 24 months during wartime.
- You must be either the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran.
Apply
Complete VA Form 21-534 and submit it to your VA Regional Office. If you have them, include copies of your child’s birth certificates and your marriage certificate.
