How Long Does Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Last? Once granted, DIC is permanent for surviving spouses, unless the surviving spouse remarries prior to turning 57 years of age. For surviving children, DIC usually lasts until the age of 18 (or 23 if the child is still in school).

Are DIC benefits for life?

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member whose death was attributable to active duty, service-connected disability or VA medical treatment. ... It is really a life insurance benefit.

Will DIC benefits increase in 2021?

The basic monthly tax-free DIC benefit will increase from $1,340.14 in 2019 to $1,357.56 for 2021, with additional amounts also seeing the 1.3% increase.