CVA Survivor Benefits & Dependents Programs

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for military retirees?

Accepted Answer

To provide a monthly annuity to eligible survivors after a military retiree's death

Answer

To provide disability compensation to retired veterans

Answer

To pay burial expenses for military retirees

Answer

To fund education benefits for children of retirees

Question 2

What is the 'SBP-DIC offset' (also called the 'widow's tax') that was phased out beginning in 2021?

Accepted Answer

A dollar-for-dollar reduction in SBP annuity when a survivor also received VA DIC benefits

Answer

A tax on military retirement pay

Answer

A penalty for survivors who remarried

Answer

An income tax on DIC payments received by surviving spouses

Question 3

What VA benefit provides burial assistance to eligible veterans, including a burial allowance and plot allowance?

Accepted Answer

VA Burial Benefits

Answer

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Answer

Veterans Pension for Survivors

Answer

Aid and Attendance benefit

Question 4

Who is eligible for interment in a national cemetery?

Accepted Answer

Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children

Answer

Only veterans with honorable discharges and their spouses

Answer

All US citizens who served in any military branch

Answer

Only veterans who died from service-connected conditions

Question 5

What does Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) require regarding the cause of a veteran's death?

Accepted Answer

The veteran's death must have been caused by or contributed to by a service-connected disability

Answer

The veteran must have been rated 100% disabled

Answer

The veteran must have served in combat

Answer

The veteran must have been enrolled in VA healthcare at time of death

Question 6

Under what circumstances can a surviving spouse receive both VA DIC and the full SBP annuity following the phase-out of the SBP-DIC offset?

Accepted Answer

Since January 1, 2023, eligible surviving spouses can receive full SBP and full DIC concurrently

Answer

Only if they remarried after age 57

Answer

Only if the veteran had a 100% rating for 10 or more years

Answer

Only if the veteran died in combat