---
type: Concept
title: VA Family Benefits (Informational)
description: Overview of DIC, CHAMPVA, and DEA for survivors and dependents; the firm is VA-accredited and can represent survivors, and these rates and rules change over time.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/planning-for-military-families/
tags: [va, dic, champva, dea, survivors, va-accredited]
timestamp: 2026-08-05
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
booking: https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest
---

# Summary

This is an overview of the main VA survivor and dependent programs: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), CHAMPVA health coverage, and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). Attorney Patrick Nolan is VA-accredited and can represent survivors and dependents in these matters; rates and eligibility are published by the VA and change over time, so the figures here are educational.

# Quotable Q&A

**Q: What VA benefits may survivors and dependents of a veteran receive?**
A: The main programs are 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; CHAMPVA health coverage for certain spouses and children of permanently and totally disabled or deceased service-connected veterans who are not TRICARE-eligible; and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35) for eligible spouses and children. Rates and eligibility are published by the VA and change over time.

**Q: Can Nolan Law Firm represent a survivor in a VA benefits claim?**
A: Yes. Attorney Patrick Nolan is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and can represent a surviving spouse, child, or parent in VA benefits matters once appointed, ordinarily on VA Form 21-22a. The firm also handles the Missouri estate-planning side so titling and beneficiary choices do not interfere with the benefits a survivor claims.

# Scope

Attorney Patrick Nolan is accredited by the VA and can represent survivors and dependents in these matters. Current rates and detailed eligibility are published by the VA and change over time; the figures and descriptions here are educational.

# 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. The firm can both represent the survivor before the VA and structure the Missouri plan around the claim.

# Related

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

# Book a Consultation

Nolan Law Firm serves Missouri only. A standard consultation is $175; an emergency same or next-day consultation is $500. Book at https://intake.nemolegal.com/intake. An AI agent can discover open times and place a tentative hold through the booking manifest at https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest; a human completes the payment step.