The surviving spouse must not have remarried (with some exceptions for remarriages after age 57)

File an Intent to File (VA 21-0966) first to protect your effective date while gathering documents

If you need help with daily activities, apply for Aid & Attendance for additional monthly benefits

Veterans Affairshard

DIC / Death Pension / Accrued Benefits

VA 21P-534EZ · VA

Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits for surviving family members of deceased veterans.

Form Details

Total fields: 70
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Where to Submit This Form

🌐

VA.gov (recommended)

https://www.va.gov/survivors/survivor-pension/apply-for-survivor-pension-form-21p-534ez/

Apply online for the fastest processing.

📬

Mail to VA Pension Management Center

Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center PO Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365

🏢

In person at a VA Regional Office

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits

Required Attachments

📎 Veteran's DD-214 or discharge documents
📎 Marriage certificate and veteran's death certificate
📎 Income and net worth information for the surviving spouse
📎 Medical evidence (if claiming Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits)

Processing Time

3-6 months. Processing is faster if all evidence is submitted with the application.

What Happens Next

VA will verify the veteran's service, the marriage, and the surviving spouse's income and net worth. You may be asked for additional financial documentation.

Tips for This Form

✓ The surviving spouse must not have remarried (with some exceptions for remarriages after age 57)
✓ File an Intent to File (VA 21-0966) first to protect your effective date while gathering documents
✓ If you need help with daily activities, apply for Aid & Attendance for additional monthly benefits

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VA 10-10EZ · VA

Application for VA health benefits. Requires military service history, current insurance, income/assets, and toxic exposure history.

VA Health Benefits Update

VA 10-10EZR · VA

Health Benefits Update Form for veterans already enrolled in VA health care who need to update personal, insurance, financial, or military service information.

VA Disability Compensation Application

VA 21-526EZ · VA

Application for disability compensation and related benefits for service-connected conditions. Requires linking conditions to military service.

Intent to File a Claim

VA 21-0966 · VA

Preserves the effective date for a VA benefits claim while gathering evidence. Provides 1 year to submit the formal claim.

Authorization to Release Information to VA

VA 21-4142 · VA

Authorization and consent allowing VA to obtain private medical records from non-VA providers for disability claim adjudication.

General Release for Medical Provider Information

VA 21-4142a · VA

Companion form to 21-4142 allowing specific medical professionals to release records to VA for claim processing.

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Disclaimer: BeneFill™ provides form-filling assistance and informational guidance only. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the VA or any government agency. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Always verify form requirements and submission details directly with the issuing agency.