VA Provides Veterans Death Benefit for Surviving Spouses

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced their resolution to quickly identify and pay surviving spouses who are eligible to receive the deceased veteran's VA compensation or pension benefit, for the month of the veteran's death.

This benefit is only payable to surviving spouses of veterans who were receiving VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of the veteran's death. Because VA does not always know if a veteran is survived by a spouse, some surviving spouses have not received the month-of-death benefit to which they are entitled.

If you are a surviving spouse of a veteran who was receiving VA benefits at the time of death and believe you may be eligible for the month-of-death benefit, please go to www.va.gov and provide the information requested. VA will determine your eligibility.

On the second page of the web form, please make sure to include your full name, address and contact preference (e-mail, phone number, or US Mail). Also, include the deceased veteran's:

• First and last name


• Social Security Number or VA claim number


• Veteran's date of birth


• Veteran's branch of service


• Veteran's service number, if you have it, and,


• Veteran's service dates, if possible.