Where to get free help
Filing is free. Anyone who pressures you to pay to prepare a VA survivor claim is a red flag.
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Organizations such as DAV, VFW, the American Legion, and county veterans service officers help survivors file at no cost. Find accredited representatives at va.gov/vso.
VA survivors line
Call 800-827-1000 to report a death and ask about survivor benefits. For military retirement / Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) questions, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is 800-321-1080.
Grief and navigation support
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides 24/7 support and benefits navigation for surviving families. Gold Star organizations and service-branch survivor outreach can also help with community support.
What to avoid
- Paying an unaccredited company to prepare your claim
- Signing a blank form
- Urgent sales language that hides the fact Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are free
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Questions
Is filing really free?
Yes. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) channels help survivors file at no charge. Unaccredited companies must not charge fees to prepare, present, or prosecute a VA claim. Never sign a blank form.
Can I get Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) together?
The old SBP-DIC offset (“Widow’s Tax”) was fully eliminated January 1, 2023. Surviving spouses who qualify for both may receive both in full. Confirm your Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and VA awards with those agencies or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
Where do I find an accredited representative?
Use the VA locator at va.gov/vso for accredited VSOs and claims agents. County veterans service officers are often free as well.
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.