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

SBP provides a monthly annuity equal to up to 55% of the retiree's retired pay to eligible survivors after the retiree's death, ensuring continued financial support.

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

The SBP-DIC offset (widow's tax) required surviving spouses who received both SBP annuity and VA DIC to have their SBP reduced dollar-for-dollar by the DIC amount; this offset was fully phased out by January 1, 2023.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

VA Burial Benefits

Answer

VA Burial Benefits provide financial assistance toward burial and funeral expenses, including a burial allowance, plot allowance, and in some cases transportation expenses for eligible veterans.

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

Eligible veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses, and unmarried dependent children are eligible for interment in national cemeteries at no cost.

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

DIC requires that the veteran's death be directly caused by a service-connected disability or that a service-connected condition materially contributed to the cause of death.

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

CVA Survivor Benefits & Dependents Programs