How Long Does It Take to Get Survivor’s Benefits From the VA?

Since the First World War, the United States has provided the families of fallen soldiers with payouts. These “survivors’ benefits” have increased significantly throughout the years, and families should take full advantage of this financial safety net after losing their loved ones to military service. But how long does it take to receive your survivor’s benefits? A recent development by the VA suggests that wait times should shorten, and you may want to discuss the timeline with an experienced VA benefits lawyer in Washington.

VA Announces New Regulation That Speeds Up Survivors’ Benefits

In February of 2026, multiple sources reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was planning to speed up its processing of survivors’ benefits. To accomplish this goal, the VA has announced a new regulation that would effectively combine two separate processes: The handling of claims related to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivors Pension.

Under the previous system, the VA handled each of these processes separately, thereby prolonging the entire process. Under the new system, the VA will pay the higher of the two claims first without slowing down processing of the second claim. This might seem like an obvious choice, so why hasn’t the VA implemented this approach until now?

The answer lies with the complex nature of both claims. In most situations, a family will receive more from DIC. However, there are notable exceptions for widows, those with no dependents, those living in nursing homes, or those receiving Medicaid. In these situations, the Survivors Pension not only takes precedence, but it is the only claim that will pay out.

What Are Survivors’ Benefits? 

DIC is a monthly payment for spouses, children, and parents of a deceased service member. These payments are tax-free. On the other hand, the Survivors’ Pension provides monthly payments to the spouses and unmarried children of veterans, as long as they satisfy certain income and asset tests. Families can theoretically receive both benefits in Washington. Another type of survivor’s benefit is the GI Life Insurance payout. This can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it may be the most lucrative of these benefits for families.

How Long Does it Currently Take to Receive Survivors’ Benefits?

It should only take a few months to receive your DIC or Survivors’ Pension. That being said, the VA handles each situation on a case-by-case basis, and some situations are more complex than others.

Can a VA Benefits Lawyer in Washington Help Me?

A VA benefits lawyer in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma may be able to help if you’re concerned about wait times for survivor’s benefits. While the VA has committed to speeding up this process, mistakes can still happen. If your family is experiencing any unexpected delays or denials of benefits, discuss your options with Gustad Law Group, PLLC today.

Sources: 

audacy.com/connectingvets/news/honoring-the-fallen/veterans-affairs-to-speed-delivery-of-survivors-benefits

news.va.gov/145115/speed-delivery-survivors-benefits/