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In this definitive guide, VA benefits expert Brian Reese reveals and explains the BEST VA Survivor Benefits along with basic eligibility and how to apply.
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran, you deserve support for the sacrifices you and your loved one made.
In 2025, VA survivor benefits offer comprehensive support, including tax-free monthly compensation, pension payments, free civilian healthcare, education assistance, home loan programs, burial allowances, accrued benefits, state-specific perks, and more—designed to help you navigate life after the loss of your loved one.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Comprehensive VA Survivor Benefits: Surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans may be eligible for a range of benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), survivors’ pensions, CHAMPVA healthcare, education assistance (Chapter 35 DEA), and property tax exemptions.
- Eligibility Requirements: Benefits eligibility often depends on factors such as the veteran’s service connection, disability rating, income limits, and the survivor’s marital and dependency status. Specific forms and supporting documents are required for each benefit type.
- Application Options: Applications for VA survivor benefits can typically be completed online, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or with assistance from a VA-accredited representative.
- Additional Financial Support: Survivors may qualify for supplementary benefits, such as burial allowances, accrued VA benefits, and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), which provides ongoing financial support based on the veteran’s retirement pay.
#1. VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits
If you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who passed away in the line of duty, or a veteran who died due to a service-related injury or illness, you may qualify for a tax-free monetary benefit known as VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).
In general, if your spouse passes away from a service-connected disability or was rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled for 10 years or more, you may qualify for DIC benefits.
The minimum monthly DIC pay rate for 2025 is $1,653.07.
View the official 2025 VA DIC pay rates.
Note that surviving spouses can get additional monthly DIC compensation with any of the following:
| If this description is true | You may qualify for this benefit | Additional monthly pay rate in 2025 |
| ➡️ The Veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling (including for individual unemployability) for at least the 8 full years leading up to their death, and ➡️ You were married to the Veteran for those same 8 years | 8-year provision | ✅ $351.02 |
| ➡️ You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities (like eating, bathing, or dressing) | Aid and Attendance | ✅ $409.53 |
| ➡️ You can’t leave your house due to a disability | Housebound allowance | ✅ $191.85 |
| ➡️ You have 1 or more children who are under 18 | Transitional benefit, and DIC apportionment rate | ✅ $350.00 for the first 2 years after the Veteran’s death ✅ $409.53 for each eligible child |
How to Apply for VA DIC Benefits
First you’ll need to fill out an application for DIC benefits. The application you fill out will depend on your survivor status.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).
Once you’ve completed your DIC application, you apply for benefits in any of these ways:
There are four ways to apply for VA DIC benefits:
Option #1: With the help of a VA-accredited representative
You can work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney to get help applying for DIC benefits.
Option #2: QuickSubmit tool online
Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA to upload your form online.
Option #3: By mail
Mail your completed DIC PDF application to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Option #4: In-person
Bring your completed application to a VA regional office near you:
#2. VA Survivors’ Pension Benefits
VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress.
Requirements:
You may be eligible for this benefit if you haven’t remarried after the Veteran’s death, and if the deceased Veteran didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge and their service meets at least one of these requirements.
At least one of these must be true:
- The Veteran entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active military service, with at least 1 day during a covered wartime period, or
- The Veteran entered active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions), with at least 1 day during a covered wartime period, or
- The Veteran was an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months
How to Apply for VA Survivors Pension
There are four ways to apply for VA Survivors Pension benefits:
Option #1: With the help of a VA-accredited representative
You can work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney to get help applying for Survivors Pension benefits.
Option #2: QuickSubmit tool online
Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA to upload your form online.
Option #3: By mail
Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
Mail your completed application to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Option #4: In-person
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you:
#3. CHAMPVA Benefits
Surviving spouses or a child of a Veteran with disabilities or a Veteran who has died may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
Requirements:
You may only be eligible for health care through CHAMPVA if you don’t qualify for TRICARE and at least one of these descriptions is true for you.
At least one of these must be true:
- You’re the spouse or child of a Veteran who’s been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office, or
- You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability, or
- You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or
- You’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, family members qualify for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA), or
- A service-connected disability is a disability that we’ve concluded was caused—or made worse—by the Veteran’s active-duty service. A permanent disability is one that’s not expected to improve.
How to Apply for CHAMPVA Benefits
There are three ways to apply for CHAMPVA benefits.
Make sure to submit the required supporting documents with your CHAMPVA application.
Option #1: Online
You can now apply online for CHAMPVA benefits.
Option #2: By mail
You’ll need to fill out an application for CHAMPVA Benefits (VA Form 10-10d).
Mail your completed CHAMPVA application and supporting documents to this address:
VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care
CHAMPVA Eligibility
PO Box 137
Spring City. PA 19475
Option #3: By fax
You’ll need to fill out an application for CHAMPVA Benefits (VA Form 10-10d).
Fax your completed CHAMPA application and supporting documents to 303-331-7809.
#4. Chapter 35 DEA Benefits
If you are the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who has passed away, is missing or captured, or has been deemed 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may qualify for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35 benefits.
Requirements:
You may be eligible for VA education benefits (Chapter 35 benefits) if you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran and one of these descriptions listed is true of the Veteran.
One of these must be true:
- The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
- The Veteran died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability
How to Apply for Chapter 35 DEA Benefits
There are two ways to apply for Chapter 35 VA benefits.
Option #1: Online
Option #2: By mail
Fill out a Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490).
Note: If you HAVE selected a school, mail your completed form to the regional processing office in the state where your school or training program is. Then, tell the certifying official at your school that you applied for VA education benefits. Ask them to submit your enrollment information online.
Note: If you HAVE NOT selected a school, mail your completed form to the regional processing office in the state where you live. When you choose a school, you’ll need to tell the certifying official at your school that you applied for VA education benefits. Ask them to submit your enrollment information online.
#5. VA Home Loan Benefits
The VA offers three home loan benefits programs such as Purchase Loans, Cash-Out Refinance Home Loans and Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans to eligible surviving spouses of Veterans and service members.
These programs may be used to refinance a mortgage or help purchase, construct, or improve a home.
Requirements:
To get a VA-backed home loan as the surviving spouse of a Veteran, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to show your lender that you qualify for this benefit.
You may be able to get a COE if you’re the spouse of a Veteran, and at least one of these descriptions is true for them.
At least one of these must be true:
- The Veteran is missing in action, or
- The Veteran is a prisoner of war (POW), or
- The Veteran died while in service or from a service-connected disability and you didn’t remarry, or
- The Veteran died while in service or from a service-connected disability and you didn’t remarry before you were 57 years old or before December 16, 2003, or
- The Veteran had been totally disabled and then died, but their disability may not have been the cause of death (in certain situations)
How to Apply for a VA COE as a Surviving Spouse
The answer of how to get your COE as a surviving spoues depends on whether you’re receiving DIC benefits.
If you ARE receiving DIC benefits:
You’ll need to fill out a Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility—Unmarried Surviving Spouses (VA Form 26-1817).
You’ll also need the Veteran’s DD214 (or other separation papers) if available.
Submit the form and discharge or separation papers to:
- Your lender for processing online, or
If you ARE NOT receiving DIC benefits:
You’ll first need to fill out an Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
You’ll also need:
- The Veteran’s DD 214 (or other separation papers) if available, and
- A copy of your marriage license, and
- The Veteran’s death certificate
Send your completed form and documents to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
#6. Veterans Burial Allowance Benefits
Surviving dependents of a Veteran who has died may be eligible to receive a VA burial allowance if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs, and you won’t be reimbursed by any other organization, like another government agency or the Veteran’s employer.
If you’re eligible, you may receive these VA benefits:
- VA burial allowance for burial and funeral costs.
- VA plot or interment allowance for the cost of the plot (gravesite) or interment.
- VA transportation reimbursement for the cost of transporting the Veteran’s remains to the final resting place.
Requirements:
One of these relationships or professional roles describes your connection to the Veteran:
- You’re the Veteran’s surviving spouse (Note: We recognize same-sex marriages.), or
- You’re the surviving partner from a legal union (a relationship made formal in a document issued by the state recognizing the union) or
- You’re a surviving child of the Veteran, or
- You’re a parent of the Veteran, or
- You’re the executor or administrator of the Veteran’s estate (someone who officially represents the Veteran)
The Veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge, and one of these circumstances must be true:
- The Veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability (a disability related to service), or
- The Veteran died while getting VA care, either at a VA facility or at a facility contracted by VA, or
- The Veteran died while traveling with proper authorization, and at VA’s expense, either to or from a facility for an examination, or to receive treatment or care, or
- The Veteran died with an original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension pending at the time of death, if they would’ve been entitled to benefits before the time of death, or
- The Veteran died while receiving a VA pension or compensation, or
- The Veteran died while eligible for a VA pension or compensation at their time of death, but instead received full military retirement or disability pay.
Or:
- The Veteran had been getting a VA pension or compensation when they died, or
- The Veteran had chosen to get military retired pay instead of compensation.
You may need to provide copies of these documents to the VA:
- The Veteran’s death certificate including the cause of death.
- A copy of the Veteran’s DD214 or other separation documents including all of their service periods.
- An itemized receipt for transportation costs (only if you paid transportation costs for the Veteran’s remains).
How Much Does the VA Pay for Burial Allowance Benefits?
The VA offers burial allowances to help cover the costs of a veteran’s funeral and burial.
The amount you receive depends on whether the veteran’s death was service-connected or not, when the death occurred, and other specific circumstances.
VA Burial Allowance for a Death Due to a Service-Connected Disability
- If the veteran died on or after September 11, 2001: Up to $2,000.
- If the veteran died before September 11, 2001: Up to $1,500.
- If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery: The VA may reimburse you for the costs of transporting the veteran’s remains.
VA Burial Allowance for a Non-Service-Connected Death
This applies when the veteran’s death was not related to their military service.
If the veteran died on or after October 1, 2024:
- Burial allowance: $978.
- Plot allowance: $978.
For deaths in prior years, the allowances are slightly lower and depend on the date of death.
Headstone or Marker Allowance VA Benefits
If the veteran’s family chooses to purchase a headstone or marker for burial in a private cemetery, the VA offers a reimbursement as follows:
- For deaths on or after October 1, 2021: $231.
- For deaths in earlier years, the amount varies based on the date of death.
Does a surviving spouse need to file a claim for VA burial costs?
No, you don’t need to file a claim as a surviving spouse, as long as you’re listed as the Veteran’s spouse on the Veteran’s benefits profile.
When the VA receives notice of the Veteran’s death, it will automatically pay a set amount to those eligible surviving spouses to help pay for the plot, the cost of interment, or transportation of the remains to the cemetery.
How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits
There are two ways to apply for VA burial benefits, which includes an allowance and transportation benefits:
Option #1: Online
You can now apply online for Veterans Burial Allowance Benefits:
Option #2: By mail
Fill out an Application for Burial Benefits (VA Form 21P-530EZ).
Mail the application and copies of supporting documents to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
#7. Accrued VA Benefits
Accrued VA benefits refer to back pay that the VA owed to a claimant (such as a veteran or their dependent) at the time of their death.
These unpaid benefits can be claimed by surviving dependents, such as a spouse, child, or dependent parent.
You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a Veteran who VA owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death.
VA pays accrued benefits based on the claimant’s relationship to the deceased beneficiary.
If there is no eligible living person, VA pays accrued benefits based on reimbursement.
VA Accrued Benefits Basic Requirements
To receive accrued VA benefits, you must meet two main requirements:
- Unpaid VA Benefits at the Time of Death: The VA owed payments to the deceased claimant based on decisions, ratings, or evidence already on file when the claimant passed away, but these payments were not issued before their death.
- Eligible Relationship: You must be the surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of the deceased veteran or claimant.
What Evidence Do You Need to Get Accrued VA Benefits?
You must provide the following documentation to the VA in support of your claim:
Veteran’s Service Documents:
- The veteran’s DD214 (or equivalent separation document).
Death Certificate:
- A copy of the veteran’s death certificate that shows the cause of death.
Estate Representation (if applicable):
- If there is an assigned representative for the beneficiary’s estate, provide a certified copy of the letters of administration or letters testamentary, with the signature and seal of the court that appointed the representative.
Reimbursement Claims for Final Expenses:
If you are claiming reimbursement for the veteran’s last illness or burial expenses, include:
- Billing or account statements for services and supplies.
- These statements should be on the official letterhead of the service provider (e.g., hospital, funeral home).
- Proof of payment (e.g., receipts or canceled checks), showing:
- Dates, nature, and costs of the services provided.
- The name of the deceased veteran.
- Who paid for the services or supplies.
How to Apply for VA Accrued Benefits
There are two ways to apply for VA accrued benefits:
Option #1: By mail
Fill out an Application for Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary (VA Form 21P-601).
Mail your completed application to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Option #2: In-person
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you:
#8. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
When a military retiree passes away, their retired pay stops.
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a program that ensures continued financial support for their dependents, providing a lifetime monthly income to eligible beneficiaries.
Upon the service member’s death, the plan provides up to 55% of their retired pay as a monthly annuity to the designated beneficiary.
- Automatic Coverage: Active-duty service members and reserve component members who die due to a service-connected cause while performing inactive duty training receive automatic, no-cost SBP coverage.
- Optional Coverage at Retirement: Active-duty members can purchase SBP coverage upon retirement, and reserve component members can elect coverage once they have completed 20 years of qualifying service for reserve retired pay.
SBP ensures financial stability and peace of mind for service members and their families by continuing income support when it’s needed most.
Who Can Be Covered by SBP?
SBP offers flexible options for coverage to fit your family’s needs:
- Spouse Coverage: The spouse receives the monthly annuity for life unless they remarry before age 55.
- Child Coverage: Benefits are paid to eligible children until they reach a certain age or criteria (e.g., 18 or 22 if a full-time student). If combined with spouse coverage, children receive benefits only if the spouse becomes ineligible.
- Former Spouse Coverage: Available for those required by court order to provide benefits to a former spouse.
- Insurable Interest: If no spouse or children are eligible, coverage can be provided to a dependent or someone with a financial interest, such as a parent or sibling.
Why is SBP Valuable?
- Guaranteed Lifetime Income: Unlike many insurance policies, SBP ensures your beneficiaries receive a monthly payment for their lifetime, protecting them from outliving the benefit.
- Inflation Protection: Annual COLAs mean the annuity grows with inflation, maintaining its value over time.
- Subsidized Costs: The government partially funds SBP, making it significantly more affordable than comparable private insurance.
- Tax Advantages: Premiums are deducted from gross pay, lowering taxable income.
Is SBP Right for You?
Choosing SBP is a significant decision.
Here are three key questions to guide you:
- Do You Need Lifetime Income for Your Family? If ensuring financial stability for your loved ones is a priority, SBP provides consistent, inflation-protected income.
- Can You Afford the Premiums? Thanks to government subsidies and tax benefits, SBP is affordable for most retirees.
- What are Your Long-Term Plans? Declining SBP at retirement means you cannot add coverage for a current or future spouse later.
How to Apply for a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Annuity
There are three ways to apply for a SBP annuity plan through DFAS:
Option #1: Online
Send the completed DD Form 2656-7 to start your SBP annuity with supporting documentation to:
Upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the askDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil.
Option #2: By mail
Mail your completed DD Form 2656-7 and supporting documents to:
DFAS – U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300
Option #3: By fax
Fax your completed DD Form 2656-7 and supporting documents to 800-982-8459.
If you have additional questions about starting your SBP annuity, please contact your Branch of Service Retiree Service Organization or call the DFAS Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080.
#9. State Tax Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Disabled Veterans
Many states offer various property tax benefits to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran.
Most applications for property tax exemptions are handled at the county level.
Searching online for your county’s tax assessor or appraisal district’s website will provide the specific forms and instructions you need to apply.
Alabama:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability rating are exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
Alaska:
- Surviving spouses aged 60 or older of veterans with a 50% or more disability rating may receive an exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed property value.
Arizona:
- Surviving spouses of totally and permanently disabled veterans may qualify for a property tax exemption up to $4,188, provided the property’s assessed value doesn’t exceed $28,458.
Arkansas:
- Surviving unmarried spouses and dependent children of veterans with a 100% disability rating, loss of limb, or blindness are exempt from all state taxes on the homestead and personal property.
California:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating or those compensated at the 100% rate due to unemployability may qualify for property tax exemptions up to $161,083, or $241,627 for low-income households.
Colorado:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a 50% property tax exemption on the first $200,000 of the property’s value.
Connecticut:
- Effective October 1, 2024, surviving spouses of veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability are eligible for a full property tax exemption on their dwelling, applicable to the 2025 tax bill.
Delaware:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating and at least three years of Delaware residency may qualify for a tax credit covering 100% of non-vocational school district property taxes.
Florida:
- Unremarried surviving spouses of honorably discharged disabled veterans are eligible for property tax exemptions.
Georgia:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with 100% disability status or those who are unemployable may receive a property tax exemption up to $98,492.
Hawaii:
- Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans may receive property tax exemptions, with specifics varying by county.
Idaho:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may reduce their property taxes by $1,500 on their primary residence.
Illinois:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a service-connected VA disability rating of 70% or higher are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residences.
Indiana:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with at least a 10% disability rating may qualify for property tax deductions ranging from $14,000 to $24,960, depending on specific criteria.
Iowa:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
Kansas:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 50% or more disability rating may be eligible for a homestead refund, with a maximum refund of $700.
Kentucky:
- Surviving spouses of veterans who were at least 65 years old or totally disabled as a result of military service may receive a property tax exemption up to $46,350 for their primary residence.
Louisiana:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may receive a full parish property tax exemption.
Maine:
- Surviving spouses of veterans who are at least 62 years old or have a 100% disability rating may qualify for a property tax exemption up to $6,000.
Maryland:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
Massachusetts:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with at least a 10% disability rating may receive property tax exemptions ranging from $400 to $1,500, depending on specific criteria.
Michigan:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
Minnesota:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a property tax exclusion up to $300,000 on their primary residence.
Mississippi:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of homestead property.
Missouri:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for property tax credits, with amounts varying based on specific criteria.
Montana:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for property tax exemptions, with specifics varying based on income and other factors.
Nebraska:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for property tax exemptions, with amounts varying based on disability level and income.
Nevada:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a disability rating above 60% may qualify for property tax exemptions, with specifics varying by county.
New Hampshire:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating are exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
New Jersey:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability incurred during wartime service may receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.
New Mexico:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for a 100% property tax exemption on their primary residence.
New York:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for a partial property tax exemption under the Alternative Veterans Exemption, Cold War Veterans Exemption, or Eligible Funds Exemption. These benefits vary by locality and the veteran’s service details.
North Carolina:
- Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans may receive a property tax exemption of up to $45,000 on their primary residence.
North Dakota:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating are exempt from property taxes on the first $8,100 of assessed value for their homestead.
Ohio:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 of the home’s market value.
Oklahoma:
- Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating are exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
Oregon:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for a partial property tax exemption of up to $23,370, depending on their income and the veteran’s disability rating.
Pennsylvania:
- Surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption, provided financial need requirements are met.
Rhode Island:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may receive property tax exemptions, with the amount and eligibility varying by municipality.
South Carolina:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
South Dakota:
- Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who were rated 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability may receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.
Tennessee:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may qualify for a property tax exemption of up to $175,000 of the home’s assessed value.
Texas:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability are exempt from all property taxes on their homestead. Partial exemptions apply for veterans with lower disability ratings.
Utah:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may qualify for property tax abatements, with the amount varying based on assessed property value.
Vermont:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may receive property tax credits or exemptions, with the amount and eligibility determined at the local level.
Virginia:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
Washington:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions based on income thresholds and the veteran’s service-connected disability rating.
West Virginia:
- Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.
Wisconsin:
- Surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may be eligible for a property tax credit on their primary residence.
Wyoming:
- Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions, with the amount depending on the veteran’s service record and disability rating.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
