VETERANS PRESS: What are the steps for a surviving spouse to receive benefits?

For a spouse to receive DIC (Dependency-indemnity-Compensation) VA Benefits, a service-connected disability or one presumptive of military service must be listed on the death certificate as a primary cause of death or a contributing cause of death.

Be sure the person that will sign the veteran’s death certificate (at the funeral home or a medical person at a hospital) is aware of any and all service-connected disabilities that could have caused or contributed to the veteran’s death 

This will help the spouse file a successful claim to receive VA benefits after the veteran’s death. (https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/)

For local help see the “North Idaho Resource Directory;” Kootenai County Veterans Service Benefits Office, 208-446-1092; or Spokane Regional Veterans Service Center, 509-477-3690.