Benefits for spouses, children, survivors and caregivers
What a veteran's spouse and children can claim, what survivors receive (DIC, pension, burial), and the caregiver programs.
Family benefits overview
Spouses and children
Health Insurance for the Spouse of a Disabled Veteran: CHAMPVA Explained
The spouse of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected condition can get CHAMPVA, VA-funded health coverage with no premium.
Health Coverage for Veterans' Children: CHAMPVA Eligibility, Age Limits and How to Apply
Children of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected condition, or of a veteran who died from service-connected causes or in the line of duty, can get CHAMPVA health coverage until age 18, until 23 if enrolled full-time in school, or indefinitely if incapable of self-support before 18.
Education Benefits for Military Spouses and Veterans' Dependents: Which Program Fits You
Military spouses and veterans' children can pay for school through transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (up to 36 months of tuition and housing), Chapter 35 DEA ($1,574 a month full-time for dependents of P&T or deceased veterans), the Fry Scholarship for survivors of post-9/11 line-of-duty deaths, the DoD MyCAA scholarship (up to $4,000 for active-duty spouses), plus state tuition waivers and private scholarships.
Chapter 35 (DEA) Eligibility for Spouses and Children: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Chapter 35 (DEA) is for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service, or who died from a service-connected condition, in the line of duty, or are MIA or POW.
Scholarships for Military Children, Spouses and Survivors
Military children and spouses can fund college through VA programs like the Fry Scholarship and DEA/Chapter 35, transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, state tuition waivers for children of disabled or deceased veterans, and private scholarships such as Folds of Honor, Scholarships for Military Children, ThanksUSA and the Pat Tillman Foundation, many with spring deadlines.
Career Counseling for Veteran Spouses and Dependents: Chapter 36, SECO and MyCAA
Spouses and children of veterans who use a VA education benefit (transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 35 DEA or the Fry Scholarship) can get free Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36) from VA by filing VA Form 27-8832.
Survivors
VA Survivor Benefits: What Spouses and Children Can Claim After a Veteran Dies
VA survivor benefits include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a tax-free monthly payment of $1,699.36 for a surviving spouse as of December 1, 2025, plus Survivors Pension for low-income survivors of wartime veterans, CHAMPVA health coverage, Chapter 35 or Fry Scholarship education benefits, VA home loan eligibility, and burial and memorial benefits.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): 2026 Rates and Eligibility
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly VA payment to surviving spouses, children and dependent parents of service members who died on duty or veterans who died from a service-connected condition.
VA Survivors Pension: 2026 Rates, Net Worth Limit and How to Qualify
The VA Survivors Pension is a tax-free, needs-based monthly payment for low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime veterans.
VA Burial and Memorial Benefits: What Families Get and How to Claim It
VA burial benefits include free burial in a national cemetery with a headstone, flag and perpetual care, plus a cash allowance: $2,000 for a service-connected death, or $1,002 burial plus $1,002 plot allowance for non-service-connected deaths on or after October 1, 2025.
Caregivers
VA Caregiver Support Programs: PCAFC Stipend, PGCSS and How to Apply
The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend to a caregiver of a veteran rated 70% or higher who needs in-person personal care for at least six months.
VA Family Caregiver Program (PCAFC): Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply
The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a tax-free monthly stipend, CHAMPVA health coverage, training and at least 30 days of respite to a family caregiver of a veteran rated 70% or higher who needs at least six months of in-person personal care.
VA Respite Care for Veterans and Family Caregivers
VA respite care gives family caregivers a temporary break by paying for a home health aide, adult day health care, or a short stay in a VA Community Living Center or community nursing home, typically up to 30 days per calendar year.
VA Caregiver Training and Support Resources (PGCSS and Beyond)
VA caregiver training is free through the Caregiver Support Program.
Also relevant
- CHAMPVA Benefits: Health Coverage for Families of Disabled and Deceased Veteransin Insurance
- Family SGLI Benefits: Life Insurance for Military Spouses and Childrenin Insurance
- Fry Scholarship Guide for Surviving Spouses and Childrenin Education, Training & Careers
- How to Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to Your Spouse or Childrenin Education, Training & Careers