Editing Veterans Benefits (section)

=== 2025 DIC Payment Rates ===

Surviving spouses of veterans who die from service-connected mesothelioma receive tax-free monthly [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/veterans-mesothelioma-claim-guide/ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation]:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0; border-collapse:collapse;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Survivor Category
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:center;" | 2025 Monthly Rate
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:center;" | Annual Total
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | Base Rate (Spouse)
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | '''$1,653.07'''
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | $19,836.84
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | Each Child Under 18
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$409.53
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$4,914.36
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | Each Child 18-23 in School
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$409.53
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$4,914.36
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | Helpless Adult Child
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$873.56
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$10,482.72
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | 8-Year Rule Addition
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$351.02
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$4,212.24
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | Aid & Attendance
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$409.53
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | +$4,914.36
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | Transitional Benefit (2 years)
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$350.00
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | +$4,200.00
|}

'''Maximum potential monthly DIC: $3,582.68''' for spouse with children requiring aid and attendance during transitional period.

{| style="width:100%; background:#cce5ff; border:1px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ️ Important:''' Survivors can remarry at age 55 or older without losing DIC benefits. Benefits can be restored if subsequent marriages end through death, divorce, or annulment. For assistance with DIC applications, visit [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/veterans-mesothelioma-what-you-need-to-know/ Danziger & De Llano's survivors guide].
|}

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