---
type: Concept
title: VA Family Benefits (Informational)
description: Educational overview of DIC, CHAMPVA, and DEA for survivors and dependents; the firm does not handle VA claims and these rates and rules change.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/planning-for-military-families/
tags: [va, dic, champva, dea, informational, survivors]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Scope

Informational only. The firm does not handle VA benefits claims and the attorney is not currently VA-accredited. Current rates and detailed eligibility are published by the VA and change over time.

# Survivor and dependent programs

- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): a tax-free monthly benefit for a surviving spouse, child, or parent when a veteran's death is service-connected or certain criteria apply (38 C.F.R. §3.5, §3.50).
- CHAMPVA: health coverage for certain spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service or who died from service-connected causes, and who are not eligible for TRICARE (38 C.F.R. §17.271).
- DEA (Chapter 35): education and training help for eligible spouses and children (38 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart C); VA Form 22-5490 is commonly used.

# Decision rule

Coordinate asset titling and beneficiary designations so they do not interfere with DIC, CHAMPVA, or DEA. If disability benefits are involved, consider a special needs or supplemental-needs trust to avoid resource-limit problems.

# Related

- [Overview and Scope](/okf/veterans-va-pension/overview.md)
- [Special Needs Trusts](/okf/special-needs-trusts/index.md)