Find out what happens to your VA disability payment when your child turns 18!

Losing a loved one who served in the military can have profound implications, both emotionally and financially. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) aims to provide financial support to survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose death was connected to a service-related injury or disease. While DIC typically targets spouses, young children, and sometimes parents of deceased veterans, adult children can also be eligible under certain circumstances.

Qualifying for DIC benefits as an adult child involves meeting specific criteria, such as being “permanently incapable of self-support before the age of 18 due to a disability” or being between 18 and 23 and enrolled in a VA-approved educational institution. Establishing entitlement to DIC benefits usually follows two primary pathways:

• If the veteran’s death was caused, in whole or in part, by a service-connected disability, DIC benefits are usually granted.
• If the veteran had a totally disabling service-connected disability for a certain period before their death, typically the last ten years, DIC benefits can also be awarded.

However, eligibility for DIC benefits for adult children can depend on the nature and severity of the service-connected disability. Minor disabilities are generally not considered contributory to a death unless they significantly impact vital organs or have a progressive and debilitating effect.

For instance, if a veteran’s service-connected PTSD led to alcoholism, which subsequently caused cirrhosis resulting in death, the death could be deemed service-connected. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the veteran’s service history in determining eligibility for DIC benefits.

Imagine a scenario where a veteran’s child is 20 years old and pursuing college education with VA approval. If they meet the necessary eligibility requirements, they could potentially qualify for DIC benefits, providing vital support during a challenging period.

While DIC primarily targets spouses and young children of deceased veterans, adult children can also benefit under specific conditions. As long as the veteran’s death or disability is linked to their service, their adult child may be entitled to DIC benefits. Remember, navigating these benefits can be intricate, but comprehending the requirements is the initial step towards securing essential support.