VA Accrued Benefits for Surviving Family Members

What Are Accrued Benefits?

When a veteran was entitled to VA benefits, such as disability compensation or pension, but died before receiving all the payments owed, those unpaid amounts are called "accrued benefits." In some cases, an eligible surviving family member can receive these benefits instead. This is separate from ongoing survivor benefits like DIC or Survivors Pension, which are paid on a continuing monthly basis.

Who May Be Eligible?

Accrued benefits may be paid, in order of priority, to:

• A surviving spouse of the veteran.
• The veteran's unmarried child or children (under age 18, or 23 if in school).
• A dependent parent or parents of the veteran.
• In some cases, other surviving dependents who were reliant on the veteran.

If there is a claim pending at the time of death, a survivor may also request to be substituted as the claimant so the claim can continue, this is called a "substitution of claimant."

Time Limits

Claims for accrued benefits are generally subject to a one-year time limit from the date of the veteran's death. It is important to file promptly and to gather any documentation that supports the veteran's original entitlement, such as award letters, correspondence with the VA, or medical records.

How to Apply

To claim accrued benefits, eligible survivors should file a written claim with the VA, typically using VA Form 21P-601 (Application for Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary). You will need to include evidence of your relationship to the veteran and any documentation supporting the unpaid amounts. A VA-accredited representative can help you assemble and file your claim at no cost.

Accrued Benefits vs. Private Life Insurance

Accrued benefits cover specific unpaid VA payments that were owed to a veteran before death. Private life insurance provides a separate, contractually guaranteed death benefit to named beneficiaries. Because accrued benefits are limited to what the VA owed at the time of death and are subject to time limits and eligibility rules, many families also use private life insurance to provide a more predictable, long-term financial safety net.