VA Form 21P-8765: Service-Connected Death Award Attachment – VA Form 21P-8765 is an important informational document sent by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to surviving spouses, children, or parents who have been awarded Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for a service-connected death. This one-page attachment (revised March 2025) explains your benefits, payment details, additional programs you may qualify for, and your responsibilities as a recipient.
It is commonly referred to as the Service-Connected Death Award Attachment and is not a fillable form — you do not need to complete or return it. Instead, keep it with your records and follow the guidance it provides.
What Is VA Form 21P-8765 and Why Did You Receive It?
When the VA grants DIC benefits after a veteran’s service-connected death, it includes this attachment with the award letter. The form helps you understand:
- How and when you will receive payments
- Additional benefits available to you and your family
- Important reporting requirements that can affect your payments
- Protections and rights associated with your benefits
Reading and understanding this form helps prevent overpayments, interruptions in benefits, or missed opportunities for extra support.
Key Information Covered in VA Form 21P-8765
The March 2025 version of the form includes these main sections:
Payment Delivery
Your initial DIC payment check is typically mailed within 15 days of the award. After that, payments arrive at the beginning of each month for the prior month.
Additional Benefits for Dependents
Surviving spouses may qualify for extra DIC payments for the veteran’s unmarried children under age 18 (or up to age 23 if attending approved school, or if permanently incapable of self-support due to disability before age 18). Use VA Form 21-686c to add or remove dependents.
Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
Higher DIC rates are available if you (as surviving spouse or parent) are blind, in a nursing home, need regular aid and attendance, or are permanently housebound. Submit VA Form 21-2680 (or VA Form 21-0779 if in a Medicaid-approved nursing home).
CHAMPVA Health Care Benefits
Unmarried surviving spouses and children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability (or who had a permanent and total service-connected disability at death, or died on active duty) may qualify for CHAMPVA medical coverage if they are not eligible for TRICARE. Remarried surviving spouses may still qualify in some cases (marriage at or after age 55, or if the remarriage ends). Apply through the VA Health Administration Center.
VA Home Loan Guaranty
Unmarried surviving spouses (and in some cases remarried spouses who remarried at or after age 57) may be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home.
Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
Surviving spouses and children may qualify for up to 45 months of education benefits (including on-the-job training and apprenticeships). Courses generally must be completed within 10 years (or 20 years if the veteran died on active duty) of the veteran’s death. Children may often elect DEA instead of DIC. Apply via VA’s GI Bill website or your regional office.
VA Burial Benefits
Eligible surviving spouses, minor children, and dependent unmarried adult children may be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost for the gravesite, opening/closing, perpetual care, and government headstone or marker. Learn more at the National Cemetery Administration site.
Creditor Protection
DIC payments are generally protected from claims of creditors, attachment, levy, or seizure (with limited exceptions for debts owed to the United States).
Reporting a Change of Address
Notify VA promptly by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or updating your address online at va.gov after signing in.
Conditions That Affect Your Right to Payments
The form explains that you must promptly report:
- The death of any beneficiary
- Changes in marital or dependency status (including remarriage of a surviving spouse)
- Changes that affect children’s eligibility (age, school attendance, or self-support status)
- Income changes for parents receiving DIC
Important note on remarriage: DIC for a surviving spouse generally ends upon remarriage. However, you may continue to receive or reinstate benefits if you remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and were age 57 or older at the time of remarriage, or if you remarried on or after January 5, 2021, and were age 55 or older. Always notify VA of any remarriage so they can determine your eligibility correctly.
How to Download VA Form 21P-8765?
Official Download Link (PDF – March 2025 revision):
Related Forms You May Need
- VA Form 21P-534EZ — Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (primary application form)
- VA Form 21-686c — Application Request to Add And/Or Remove Dependents
- VA Form 21-2680 — Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance
- VA Form 21-0779 — Request for Nursing Home Information (for Aid and Attendance in Medicaid nursing homes)
Find all VA forms at the official VA forms page.
How to Apply for DIC Benefits?
If you have not yet applied, use VA Form 21P-534EZ. Surviving spouses or children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability (or in certain other qualifying circumstances) may be eligible. You can apply online through va.gov, by mail, or with help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), accredited claims agent, or attorney.
Tips for Recipients of VA Form 21P-8765
- Read the entire attachment carefully and keep it with your important VA documents.
- Report any changes in your life (address, marital status, dependents, income for parents) as soon as possible to avoid overpayments that must be repaid.
- Consider applying for additional benefits like Aid and Attendance, CHAMPVA, DEA, or burial planning even if you are not using them yet.
- Contact VA or a trusted VSO if anything in the form is unclear or if your situation changes.
- DIC is tax-free in most cases and provides important financial support to survivors.
Official Resources
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) overview
- Ask VA (secure messaging and information)
- VA GI Bill / DEA education benefits
- National Cemetery Administration (burial)
- VA Regional Offices locator
For the most current information, always refer to official VA sources or contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 (or TDD 711).
Need Help Understanding Your DIC Award or This Form?
VA Form 21P-8765 is designed to give you clear, actionable information about your service-connected death benefits. If you recently received this form or have questions about your DIC payments, additional benefits, or reporting requirements, reach out to VA or work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer. They can review your specific award and help you take full advantage of all available benefits.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on the official March 2025 version of VA Form 21P-8765 and current VA policies. Rules and contact information can change, so verify details directly with the VA or on va.gov.
Download the official form here:
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-8765-ARE.pdf
Stay informed and take advantage of the benefits you and your family have earned through the veteran’s service.