Social Security and VA
When the claim belongs to a family
A death, a child’s diagnosis, a grown son who never worked: some benefits are paid to a family, not to a worker.
Social Security can pay survivors’ benefits to a spouse or children, and benefits to an adult whose disability began in childhood once a parent retires, becomes disabled or dies. The VA pays Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to some survivors of veterans who died of a service-connected condition.
Each program has its own forms, clocks and definitions of “spouse” and “child,” and one filed in the wrong order can cost months of benefits. I sort out which claims exist, which come first and what each will need.
Where I can help
Survivors’ claims after a veteran’s death
Social Security for a surviving spouse or child
Benefits for an adult disabled since childhood
SSI for a child with a serious condition
A veteran’s claim still open at death
Three things I ask first
- Record
Whose record is it?
The worker’s earnings or the veteran’s service record decides what a family may claim, so I start by finding it.
- Cause
What was the cause?
For VA survivor benefits, the cause of death has to connect to service. That link is the whole claim, and it’s built from records, not memory.
- Family
Who counts, and since when?
Marriage dates, a child’s age and a child’s disability onset all change who is eligible and from what month.
Asked by families
Can I claim while I am grieving?
You don’t have to do it this month. Some benefits can be backdated, some can’t, so I’ll tell you which dates matter and which can wait.
Does an adult child with a disability qualify?
Sometimes. The disability generally has to have begun before age 22 and a parent must be retired, disabled or deceased. It depends on records, and I’ll look at them.
Will a child’s SSI count my household income?
For children, household income and resources are often counted, which can shrink or end a payment. I explain how before you apply, not after.
Start with the one date you remember
A death, a diagnosis or a birthday. Tell me which and we’ll work out the rest.