I’m a widow of a U.S. Veteran who passed in 2008. How do I apply for his retirement?

Answer:

VA doesn’t pay “retirement” after a veteran passes, but you may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Survivor’s Pension. File a claim using VA Form 21P-534EZ (you can do it online or through a VSO like DAV, VFW, or American Legion). You’ll need his DD-214, marriage certificate, and death certificate. If his death was service-connected or he was rated 100% for certain periods before passing, DIC may be approved. If not, you might still qualify for a pension based on income.

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