When a veteran passes away, the issue of whether an ex-wife can receive VA benefits goes beyond just financial support—it’s about ensuring security and stability for someone who may have relied on that support for years.
Having dedicated our lives to helping veterans and their families navigate the VA system, we know just how important it is to understand what benefits an ex-wife might be entitled to after a veteran’s death.
The rules can be complex, but getting clear and accurate information is the first step to making sure those who qualify receive the benefits they deserve.
In this article, we’ll explain the eligibility criteria, legal intricacies, and specific circumstances that determine whether an ex-wife can continue to receive VA benefits after a veteran’s passing.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Eligibility for VA Benefits After a Veteran’s Death: An ex-wife may qualify for certain VA benefits, such as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), depending on factors like remarriage age and beneficiary designation.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Specifics: An ex-wife can receive SBP benefits if designated as a beneficiary during or shortly after divorce, but remarriage before age 55 terminates this eligibility.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): An ex-wife might retain or regain eligibility for DIC if remarriage occurs after age 57, with no requirement for a specific length of marriage before divorce.
- Health Benefits under the 20/20/20 Rule: An ex-wife can continue to receive Tricare health benefits if the marriage met the 20/20/20 criteria, but remarriage permanently ends this eligibility.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is one of the most significant benefits that might be available to an ex-wife after a veteran’s death.
The SBP provides a continuing income to a designated beneficiary after the military retiree’s death.
A veteran can choose to designate an ex-spouse as the beneficiary during the divorce proceedings or within one year following the divorce.
However, there are specific conditions tied to this benefit:
- Remarriage Before Age 55: If the ex-wife remarries before turning 55, she loses eligibility to receive SBP payments.
- Remarriage After Age 55: If she remarries after the age of 55, she can continue to receive these benefits. This provision ensures that the ex-spouse remains financially secure, especially if she relies on this income for her livelihood.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit provided to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or due to a service-connected condition.
An ex-wife may be eligible for DIC if she was the veteran’s surviving spouse at the time of death and meets certain criteria related to remarriage:
- Remarriage Before Age 57: Generally, if the ex-wife remarries before age 57, she loses eligibility for DIC.
- Remarriage After Age 57: If she remarries after age 57, she can retain or regain eligibility for DIC.
It’s crucial to note that there is no specific “10-year marriage before divorce” requirement for DIC.
The primary focus is on the ex-spouse’s marital status at the time of the veteran’s death and adherence to the remarriage rules.
DIC is intended to provide financial support to those most closely tied to the veteran at the time of death, ensuring they are not left without essential financial resources.
Health Benefits Under the 20/20/20 Rule
Health benefits through Tricare are another significant concern for ex-wives.
The 20/20/20 rule is critical in determining continued eligibility:
- 20 years of marriage
- 20 years of military service
- 20-year overlap between the marriage and military service
If all three conditions are met, the ex-wife can retain her Tricare health benefits even after the divorce and the veteran’s death, provided she does not remarry.
If she remarries, she permanently loses these benefits.
For those who do not meet the full 20/20/20 criteria, the 20/20/15 rule may apply, providing one year of continued Tricare coverage after the divorce, but this coverage does not extend beyond the veteran’s death unless the full 20/20/20 criteria are met.
Apportionment of VA Disability Compensation
In some situations, an ex-wife might receive an apportioned share of the veteran’s VA disability compensation while the veteran is still alive, particularly if she was financially dependent on the veteran.
However, it is important to note:
- Termination Upon Death: This apportionment typically ends upon the veteran’s death. VA disability benefits are designed to compensate the veteran for service-connected disabilities and are not transferable to an ex-spouse after the veteran’s death.
VA Pension Benefits
VA pension benefits are generally reserved for surviving spouses and are not typically available to ex-spouses after the veteran’s death.
While an ex-wife may have received some financial support from the veteran’s pension during his lifetime:
- No Continuation After Death: These benefits do not continue after the veteran’s death unless specific legal arrangements were made during the veteran’s life, such as a court-ordered division during divorce proceedings. VA pension benefits are intended to support those who were directly dependent on the veteran at the time of death, usually the current spouse.
Special Circumstances and Legal Considerations
In some unique cases, an ex-wife might receive benefits after the veteran’s death if the veteran took specific legal steps to ensure this outcome:
- Life Insurance Policies: An ex-wife could be named as a beneficiary of the veteran’s life insurance policies, such as Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). However, the veteran must have explicitly designated the ex-wife as the beneficiary before their death.
Navigating these complexities often requires the assistance of a legal professional specializing in VA and military benefits.
Each case is unique, and the rules governing these benefits can be intricate, making it essential to seek expert advice to ensure all potential benefits are explored and properly claimed.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
Whether an ex-wife is eligible for VA benefits after a veteran’s death depends on several factors, including the type of benefit, the length of the marriage, and whether the ex-wife has remarried.
Benefits like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offer possible avenues for continued support, but they come with strict eligibility requirements.
If you are an ex-spouse of a veteran and are unsure of your rights or what benefits you may be entitled to, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a knowledgeable legal professional.
Understanding your options and taking the necessary steps to secure these benefits can provide much-needed financial stability during a challenging time.
Ex-Spouses and VA Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an Ex-Wife Receive VA Benefits After a Veteran’s Death?
An ex-wife may be eligible for certain VA benefits after a veteran’s death, depending on the specific circumstances and the type of benefit. If the veteran designated the ex-wife as a beneficiary of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) during the divorce or within one year after, she may continue to receive SBP payments unless she remarries before age 55. Additionally, an ex-wife might qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if she was married to the veteran at the time of their death and meets certain criteria, such as not remarrying before age 57. However, VA disability benefits and pensions generally do not continue to ex-spouses after the veteran’s death unless specific legal provisions were made.
What is the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and How Can an Ex-Wife Qualify?
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides ongoing income to a designated beneficiary after a military retiree’s death. An ex-wife can qualify for SBP if the veteran designated her as the beneficiary during the divorce or within one year after the divorce. If the ex-wife remarries before age 55, she loses eligibility for SBP payments. However, if she remarries after age 55, she can continue receiving these payments. It’s essential that the veteran elects the ex-wife as the SBP beneficiary during or shortly after the divorce to ensure she receives these benefits.
Can an Ex-Wife Receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free benefit provided to eligible survivors of service members who died from service-connected conditions. An ex-wife may qualify for DIC if she was married to the veteran at the time of their death and meets certain criteria, including not remarrying before age 57. If she remarries after age 57, she can retain or regain eligibility for DIC. There’s no requirement for a specific length of marriage before divorce to qualify for DIC; what matters is the marital status at the time of the veteran’s death.
What Are the 20/20/20 Rule and the 20/20/15 Rule for Health Benefits?
The 20/20/20 rule allows an ex-wife to retain Tricare health benefits after divorce and the veteran’s death. To qualify, the ex-wife must have been married to the veteran for at least 20 years, the veteran must have served for at least 20 years, and there must be at least a 20-year overlap between the marriage and military service. If these conditions are met, the ex-wife can continue receiving Tricare benefits unless she remarries. The 20/20/15 rule provides one year of continued Tricare coverage after divorce if there was a 15-year overlap between the marriage and service, but this coverage does not extend beyond the veteran’s death unless the full 20/20/20 criteria are met.
Are VA Disability Benefits Transferable to an Ex-Wife After a Veteran’s Death?
VA disability benefits are not transferable to an ex-wife after a veteran’s death. These benefits are intended to compensate the veteran for service-connected disabilities and cease upon the veteran’s death. While an ex-wife might receive an apportioned share of these benefits while the veteran is alive, these payments typically end when the veteran passes away. It’s important to understand that VA disability benefits are personal to the veteran and do not extend to ex-spouses posthumously.
Can an Ex-Wife Receive VA Pension Benefits After a Veteran’s Death?
VA pension benefits are generally reserved for current spouses and are not typically available to ex-spouses after the veteran’s death. While an ex-wife may have received some financial support from the veteran’s pension during their lifetime, these benefits usually do not continue unless specific legal arrangements were made during the veteran’s life. VA pension benefits are intended to support those directly dependent on the veteran at the time of death, typically the surviving spouse.
What Legal Steps Should Be Taken to Ensure an Ex-Wife Receives VA Benefits After a Veteran’s Death?
To ensure that an ex-wife receives VA benefits after a veteran’s death, specific legal steps must be taken during or immediately after the divorce. The veteran must elect the ex-wife as the beneficiary for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) within one year of the divorce. Additionally, if the veteran wants the ex-wife to receive life insurance benefits, such as from Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), they must explicitly designate the ex-wife as the beneficiary. Consulting a legal professional is highly recommended to navigate these processes and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted correctly.
Does Remarriage Affect an Ex-Wife’s Eligibility for VA Benefits?
Yes, remarriage can significantly affect an ex-wife’s eligibility for certain VA benefits. If the ex-wife remarries before age 55, she loses eligibility for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). For Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), remarriage before age 57 disqualifies her from receiving benefits. However, if she remarries after age 57, she can still receive DIC benefits. Understanding these rules is crucial as they directly impact the continuation of benefits after the veteran’s death.
What Happens to Benefits if the Veteran Did Not Designate the Ex-Wife as a Beneficiary?
If the veteran did not designate the ex-wife as a beneficiary for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or any life insurance policies, the ex-wife would generally not be eligible to receive those benefits after the veteran’s death. VA benefits like disability compensation or pensions are not automatically transferred to an ex-wife, so it is crucial for these designations to be made explicitly during the divorce or shortly thereafter. Without these designations, the ex-wife may not have any legal claim to the veteran’s VA benefits posthumously.
Is It Necessary to Consult a Lawyer for VA Benefits After a Divorce?
Given the complexity of VA benefits and the specific legal requirements involved, it is highly advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in military and veteran benefits, particularly during and after a divorce. A lawyer can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to secure the ex-wife’s eligibility for benefits such as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Legal guidance is crucial in navigating the intricate rules and ensuring that all paperwork is correctly filed to protect the ex-wife’s financial interests after the veteran’s death.
Can an Ex-Wife Appeal a Denied VA Benefit Claim?
If an ex-wife’s claim for VA benefits is denied, she may have the option to appeal the decision. This process typically involves submitting additional evidence or documentation that supports her eligibility for the benefit in question. It’s important to follow the VA’s specific guidelines and deadlines for filing an appeal. Consulting with a VA-accredited attorney or representative can be extremely beneficial in navigating the appeals process.
What Happens if the Veteran Passes Away Without Updating Beneficiary Information?
If a veteran passes away without updating their beneficiary information for benefits like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or life insurance policies, the benefits may default to the last recorded beneficiary. This could mean that an ex-wife might still receive benefits if she was the last designated beneficiary. However, if the veteran remarried and did not update the information, the current spouse might contest the beneficiary designation. This situation can lead to legal disputes, so it’s crucial for veterans to keep their beneficiary information current.
How Can an Ex-Wife Prove Eligibility for Benefits?
Proving eligibility for benefits often requires providing documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, and any court orders or agreements that designate the ex-wife as a beneficiary. For health benefits under the 20/20/20 rule, additional proof of the length of marriage and service overlap may be necessary. Ensuring all paperwork is in order and readily accessible can streamline the process of applying for benefits.
Can an Ex-Wife Receive VA Educational Benefits After a Veteran’s Death?
VA educational benefits, such as those offered through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, are typically reserved for the veteran’s current spouse or children. However, if the ex-wife was using these benefits before the divorce, she may be able to continue her education under certain circumstances, especially if there was an agreement during the divorce. It’s essential to consult with a legal expert to understand how these benefits might apply.
Are There Any Tax Implications for Receiving VA Benefits as an Ex-Wife?
Generally, VA benefits like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are tax-free, meaning they do not need to be reported as income on federal tax returns. However, there could be other financial implications, such as how these benefits interact with other income sources or how they are treated under state laws. Consulting with a tax professional who understands VA benefits can help clarify these issues.
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.
