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Q740:  I retired in 1994 after serving 20 years. I currently have a rating of 70% disabled. When is my wife eligible to receive benefits? 

If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here. 

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A1:  VA benefits are generally available to the veteran. If you were to die of something that is service connected, or should have been service connected, then your spouse would then be entitled to VA benefits called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. She would not get CHAMPVA because she has Tricare. If you die of something not related to your service then your wife may be eligible for the Death Pension provided you had 90 days of continuous service with at least one day being during a period of war. The death pension is a needs based program (income).  (DS)  6/18/21

     

A2:  Since you are a retiree, your spouse should be in Tri Care. If not, get her enrolled.  (RD)  6/18/21

      

A3:  There are no benefits available for your wife unless you get to 100% disability from the VA. If you enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan she will get a percentage of your retirement.  (GR)  6/18/21

          

   

  

     

   

  

  

  

  

  

       

A4:  When you become 100% VA Disabled. She then will be eligible for ChampVA...Or Medical. But, as far as monetary elgibility for her?  No. Only if and when you become 100% and you die of a Service-Connected Disease, does NOT remarry; then she is eligible for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation). As of 2021 it will be worth $1,357.56 a month. But remember, DIC ONLY works AFTER the Veteran has died.  (RA)  6/18/21