Understanding Survivors Benefits for Veterans
When a veteran passes away, surviving family members may be entitled to financial assistance through both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). These survivor benefits help ease the financial burden during a difficult time. If you’ve lost a loved one who served in the military, a veteran disability lawyer in California can guide you through the complex application process and help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Survivors Benefits for Veterans’ Families
Social Security Survivors Benefits
The SSA provides monthly survivors benefits to certain family members of a deceased worker, including veterans. The deceased must have earned sufficient work credits, typically through jobs where they paid into Social Security.
Eligible survivors include:
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Spouses aged 60 or older (or 50+ if disabled)
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Surviving spouses of any age caring for the deceased’s child under age 16 or with a disability
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Children under age 18 (or 19 if still in high school full-time)
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Adult children with disabilities that began before age 22
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Dependent parents aged 62 or older who relied on the veteran for support
Even divorced spouses may be eligible for survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Learn more about eligibility on the SSA survivors eligibility page.
VA Survivors Benefits
Surviving family members may also qualify for VA-provided financial assistance, including:
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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly tax-free payments to surviving spouses, children, or parents of a veteran who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition.
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Survivors Pension: Needs-based monthly benefits for low-income, un-remarried spouses and dependent children of deceased wartime veterans.
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Education & Training (Chapter 35 Benefits): Offers education assistance to dependents of deceased veterans.
To learn more about these options, speak with a trusted veteran disability lawyer offering full legal services.
Applying for Survivors Benefits
To apply for Social Security survivors benefits, you must contact the SSA directly. You cannot apply online. Instead:
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Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
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Visit your local SSA office to apply in person
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Have the deceased veteran’s Social Security number and your documents ready
To apply for VA survivors benefits, you can:
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Apply online at VA.gov
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Submit VA Form 21P-534EZ by mail
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Work with an experienced veterans benefits attorney who can handle the paperwork and meet deadlines on your behalf
Was Your Survivors Claim Denied?
Unfortunately, survivors claims are sometimes denied due to missing documentation, technical errors, or questions about eligibility. If this happens, you have the right to appeal. Our attorneys at Peña & Bromberg specialize in veteran disability claim denials and will fight to secure the benefits your family deserves.
Need Help Navigating Survivors Benefits?
Losing a loved one is never easy. At Peña & Bromberg, we’re here to support you during this time. Our legal team understands how VA and SSA benefits interact and can help ensure you receive the financial assistance available to your family.
