PACT Act Benefits for Surviving Family Members

If you are a surviving family member of a veteran who died as the result of exposure to toxins while serving, the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act should make it easier to secure the benefits you deserve.

The operative word is "should."

Because the PACT Act is so new, the VA is still working out how they will administer claims related to this legislation. Under the legislation, the VA is now required to automatically presume that your deceased veteran's death was caused by exposure to toxins if they served in certain eras and locations. A list of these locations and dates of exposure are available online at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#information-for-survivors.

The VA is reviewing previously denied claims and will contact survivors that they think may now be eligible, but you don't have to wait for them to contact you before you reapply.

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits

Surviving Spouse
As a surviving spouse, you may be eligible for one or more of these benefits if you meet these requirements.

One of these must be true:
• You lived with the Veteran or service member without a break until their death, or
• If you’re separated, you weren’t at fault for the separation
And one of these must be true:
• You married the Veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse, or
• You were married to the Veteran or service member for at least 1 year, or
• You had a child with the Veteran or service member

Surviving Child
You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation if you meet these requirements.
All of these must be true:
• You aren’t married, and
• You aren’t included on the surviving spouse’s compensation, and
• You’re under the age of 18 (or under the age of 23 if attending school)

Surviving Parent
You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation if you meet these requirements.
Both of these must be true:
• You’re the biological, adoptive, or foster parent of the Veteran or service member, and
• Your income is below a certain amount

More details on eligibility are available online at https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/

Compensation for Family Members

Compensation for the loss of a loved one due to service-related exposure to toxic substances can include one of the following benefits:
• Monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
• One-time Accrued Benefits Payment
• Survivors Pension

Additional Survivor Benefits Available
• Burials and Burial Allowance
• Education and Training
• Final Monthly Payment
• Home Loan Guaranty
• Health Care

Applying for Survivor Benefits

You can learn how to apply for benefits online at https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/ and download the necessary forms. If you have questions about your eligibility, benefits, or the application process, you can call the VA at [login to see] .