VA Form 21P-534EZ: Apply for DIC, Pension & Accrued Benefits

VA Form 21P-534EZ: Apply for DIC, Pension & Accrued Benefits – If you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of a deceased U.S. Veteran, VA Form 21P-534EZ is the official application you need to apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. This form, revised August 2025, helps eligible survivors access critical tax-free monthly payments and any unpaid benefits owed to the Veteran at the time of death.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed this streamlined form (also known as the Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) to support surviving family members. You can apply online or by mail. This guide covers everything U.S. survivors need to know, including eligibility, required documents, how to complete the form, and tips for faster processing.

What Is VA Form 21P-534EZ?

VA Form 21P-534EZ is the current VA form used by surviving spouses and children to apply for three main types of survivor benefits:

  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Tax-free monthly compensation for survivors when the Veteran’s death was service-connected or met specific criteria (such as the Veteran being totally disabled for a certain period before death).
  • Survivors Pension: A needs-based monthly benefit for low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime Veterans.
  • Accrued Benefits: Unpaid VA benefits that were due to the Veteran but not paid before death. These are paid to eligible survivors in order of priority (spouse first, then children, then dependent parents).

Note: Surviving parents of Veterans generally use a different form — VA Form 21P-535. For deaths that occurred while the service member was on active duty, a different form (VA Form 21P-534a) may apply in some cases.

Download the official form here:
Download VA Form 21P-534EZ (PDF)
Official VA page: VA Form 21P-534EZ on va.gov

Who Should Use VA Form 21P-534EZ?

You should use this form if you are:

  • The surviving spouse of a Veteran (you generally must not have remarried, with some exceptions for those who remarried after age 55 or 57 depending on the date).
  • An unmarried child of a Veteran who is under age 18, or under age 23 and attending a VA-approved school, or permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability that began before age 18.

Key recent update: Due to the PACT Act and Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act expansions, more survivors may now qualify for DIC, even if a previous claim was denied. VA has special presumptions for certain toxic exposures (Agent Orange, burn pits, etc.).

Eligibility Requirements

For DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)

You may qualify if:

  • The Veteran died on active duty, or
  • The Veteran’s service-connected disability caused or contributed to death, or
  • The Veteran was receiving (or entitled to receive) VA compensation for a totally disabling service-connected condition for at least 10 years before death (or shorter periods in some cases, such as former POWs).

DIC is not income-based and is tax-free.

For Survivors Pension

You may qualify if:

  • The Veteran had qualifying wartime service (generally at least 90 days with 1 day during a covered wartime period, or 24 months for post-1980 service).
  • Your family income and net worth are below annual limits set by Congress.
  • You are the surviving spouse or unmarried dependent child.

Net worth includes most assets (except your primary home and reasonable personal property). Survivors Pension is also tax-free but is needs-based.

For Accrued Benefits

These are paid if the Veteran had pending or approved VA benefits that were not paid before death. Eligible survivors receive them in this order: surviving spouse → children (equally) → dependent parents (equally).

Current 2026 DIC rates (effective December 1, 2025) start at approximately $1,699.36 per month for a surviving spouse (higher for higher pay grades and with additional benefits for children or Aid and Attendance). Check the latest official rates here:
2026 DIC Rates for Spouses and Dependents

How to Apply Using VA Form 21P-534EZ?

You have several options:

  1. Apply Online (Recommended for many applicants)
    Use VA’s online tool instead of the paper form.
    Apply for DIC, Survivors Pension, or Accrued Benefits Online
  2. By Mail
    Send the completed form and supporting documents to:
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    Pension Intake Center
    PO Box 5365
    Janesville, WI 53547-5365
  3. In Person
    Take the form to a VA regional office or get help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
  4. Get Free Help
    Work with an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney (find one at va.gov). This is highly recommended for complex claims.

Pro Tip: Submit an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) first if you are not ready to submit the full application. This can protect your effective date for retroactive payments.

Understanding the 14 Sections of VA Form 21P-534EZ

The form is organized into these main sections:

  1. Veteran’s Identification Information
  2. Claimant’s Identification Information
  3. Veteran’s Service Information
  4. Marital Information
  5. Marital History
  6. Child of Veteran Information
  7. DIC (service connection and details)
  8. Nursing Home or Increased Survivors Entitlement (Aid & Attendance / Housebound)
  9. Income and Assets (use VA Form 21P-0969 if needed for multiple years)
  10. Information About Your Medical or Other Expenses
  11. Direct Deposit Information
  12. Claim Certification and Signature
  13. Witnesses to Signature (if signing with an “X”)
  14. Alternate Signer Certification and Signature (if applicable)

Worksheets are included for care expenses (residential care, in-home attendant, etc.).

Required Documents and Evidence

To support your claim, gather:

  • Veteran’s death certificate (unless died on active duty)
  • Veteran’s DD Form 214 or other service records
  • Marriage certificate (if surviving spouse)
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Medical records supporting service connection (for DIC)
  • Income and asset information (bank statements, Social Security award letters, etc.)
  • VA Form 21P-0969 (Income and Asset Statement) if instructed
  • VA Form 21-2680 (for Aid and Attendance or Housebound claims)
  • Any private medical records or lay statements

Submit everything together for a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) — this is currently one of the fastest ways to get a decision.

Important update (2026): VA now processes DIC and Survivors Pension claims together and generally pays the higher benefit without unnecessary delays.

Tips for a Successful Claim

  • Double-check that you are using the August 2025 version of the form.
  • Report all income and assets accurately — underreporting can cause delays or overpayments.
  • Consider applying for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits if you need help with daily activities (this can significantly increase your monthly payment).
  • Keep copies of everything you submit.
  • Respond promptly to any VA requests for additional information.
  • Work with a free accredited representative to strengthen your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an outdated form version.
  • Forgetting the death certificate or service records.
  • Not reporting remarriage or changes in income.
  • Submitting the wrong form (parents should use 21P-535).
  • Missing the opportunity to claim Aid and Attendance when eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for both DIC and Survivors Pension on the same form?
Yes. VA Form 21P-534EZ allows you to apply for one or both (VA will determine which you qualify for).

How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times vary. Fully Developed Claims and recent VA improvements have significantly reduced average wait times (often 2–4 months or less in many cases). Check your claim status anytime at va.gov.

What if I already receive DIC — can I still apply for something else?
You can still apply for accrued benefits or increased benefits (such as Aid and Attendance) if your situation changes.

Is there a deadline to apply?
There is no strict deadline, but applying sooner can result in more retroactive payments. An Intent to File protects your date.

Are these benefits taxable?
No — both DIC and Survivors Pension are tax-free.

Additional Resources

Here are trusted, current official resources:

Need Help Right Now?

Contact VA at 800-827-1000 or visit va.gov to start your claim or check status. For personalized assistance, reach out to a local Veterans Service Organization — many offer free help filing VA Form 21P-534EZ.

This information is based on official VA sources as of 2026 and is intended to help U.S. survivors navigate the process. Benefits rules and rates can change, so always verify the latest details directly on va.gov or with an accredited representative before submitting your application.

Ready to apply? Start with the official download or online tool linked above. Your service member’s sacrifice deserves the benefits their family has earned.