Survivor forms directory

Form numbers with links to the official VA.gov Find a Form pages — not legal advice. Download current PDFs only from VA.gov and file with a free accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) when you can.

• VA Form 21P-534EZ (opens on VA.gov)

  Fully developed claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, and accrued benefits — the main form most surviving spouses use.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 21-0966 (opens on VA.gov)

  Intent to File — can lock an effective date; finish the full claim within one year.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 21P-530EZ (opens on VA.gov)

  Burial benefits allowance claim when needed.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 10-10d (opens on VA.gov)

  Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) application for qualifying survivors’ health coverage.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 22-5490 (opens on VA.gov)

  Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) / Fry Scholarship application.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 21P-0847 (opens on VA.gov)

  Request to substitute as claimant on a veteran’s pending claim or appeal.

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 21P-534a (opens on VA.gov)

  In-service death claims (often via a casualty assistance officer).

  Open on VA.gov →

• VA Form 26-1817 (opens on VA.gov)

  VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility path used by many Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients.

  Open on VA.gov →

Accrued-benefits claims generally have a one-year deadline from death. Browse related VA forms on our VA Forms tool, and read where to get free help.

Official resources

Every form above links to its VA.gov Find a Form page. Full list of sources used on this page:

• VA Find a Form (search all VA forms) (opens on VA.gov)
• VA survivor and dependent benefits overview (opens on VA.gov)
• Accredited representative / VSO locator (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 21P-534EZ on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 21-0966 on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 21P-530EZ on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 10-10d on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 22-5490 on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 21P-0847 on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 21P-534a on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)
• VA Form 26-1817 on VA.gov (opens on VA.gov)

Questions

Which form do I start with?

For most Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) / Survivors Pension / accrued claims, VA Form 21P-534EZ is the main fully developed claim. An Intent to File (21-0966) can come first to protect the date. A free accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) will pick the right packet for your situation.

Do I need a separate form for burial benefits?

Often VA Form 21P-530EZ covers burial allowance claims when needed. Your VSO can confirm whether burial is already in motion from the death report.

Where do I download current PDFs?

Always open the official VA.gov Find a Form page for that form (linked above), confirm the revision date, and download the current PDF from VA — not from a third-party site.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Filing a VA claim is free through an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or the VA.