Older Veterans: what to put in order now so benefits reach your family
· Claim Situation
The situation
Some benefits end, shrink, or never start because paperwork wasn't done in time. If you are an older Veteran, or care for one, a few hours of work now can protect a spouse and family later.
Lock in the date with an Intent to File
If a claim is on your mind, an Intent to File saves the potential start date for up to one year while you gather evidence.
Make sure dependents are on your award
Spouses, children and dependent parents add money at 30% and above. Check your award letter and update with VA Form 21-686c if anyone is missing.
Know what survivors may get
- DIC when death is service-connected, or when the Veteran was rated totally disabled for 10 continuous years before death (or 5 years from discharge, or 1 year for former POWs) (38 CFR 3.22).
- Accrued benefits owed but unpaid at death can go to certain survivors if claimed within one year (38 CFR 3.1000).
- Burial and memorial benefits: VA.gov burials.
Look at care needs honestly
If daily help is needed, look at SMC aid and attendance or the pension add-ons. See dementia, competency and fiduciaries and VA pension and medical expenses.
Organize one folder
- DD-214 and award letters.
- Rating decisions and code sheets.
- Life insurance (VGLI/VALife) and beneficiaries.
- Marriage, divorce and birth records.
- A note telling family where it all is and who your VSO is.
Get free help
You never have to pay to file an initial VA claim. Free help: a VSO such as DAV, VFW or the American Legion, or a VA-accredited representative.
Educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited. No one can promise an outcome; VA decides each claim on its own evidence. Rules and rates change; check the linked VA and eCFR sources.