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Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

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Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a needs-based benefit paid to parents (biological, adoptive, or foster) who were financially dependent on a military Servicemember or Veteran who died from a service-related cause. The foster parent relationship must have been in place for at least one year before the Veteran last entered active duty and prior to the Veteran's 21st birthday. The one-year period may end after the Veteran’s 21st birthday, as long as it begins before the Veteran’s 21st birthday, and lasts at least one continuous year.

Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a needs-based benefit paid to parents (biological, adoptive, or foster) who were financially dependent on a military Servicemember or Veteran who died from a service-related cause. The foster parent relationship must have been in place for at least one year before the Veteran last entered active duty and prior to the Veteran's 21st birthday. The one-year period may end after the Veteran’s 21st birthday, as long as it begins before the Veteran’s 21st birthday, and lasts at least one continuous year.

To qualify, the claimant(s) must be the parent(s) of a military Servicemember or Veteran who died from one of the following causes:

  • A disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training, OR
  • An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or certain diseases incurred while on inactive duty for training, OR
  • A service-connected disability.

Income limits apply.

In addition, unreimbursed medical expenses that have been paid by the parent may help to reduce his or her countable income.

For more specific information, refer to the Parents' DIC factsheet.

To complete an application, you may visit VA.gov and apply online. You may also use VA Form 21P-535, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (Including Accrued Benefits and Death Compensation when Applicable), and mail it to: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center PO Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365.

You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. Find your nearest VA regional office.

Apply to Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

If you have questions:

  • Visit the Ask VA (AVA) website to ask a question electronically
  • Call 800-827-1000
  • Call 711, if you use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)

To apply for VA benefits and services, view your benefit status, and many more services go to www.va.gov and either logon with your eBenefits sign on or use www.Logon.gov to enroll. VA.gov is a one-stop source for information on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services. Veterans, service members and their family members can conduct self-service transactions such as checking compensation and pension claim status information, enrolling in GI Bill, and obtaining copies of civil service preference letters, military records (DD214), and other personal information. For further information visit the VA.gov website.

1-800-827-1000

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