If a child is living with the surviving spouse, what happens to the DIC benefits?

When a child lives with the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits provide additional support for the surviving spouse. In this case, the correct answer indicates that the spouse receives additional DIC benefits. This reflects the VA's intention to financially support the entire family unit, recognizing the needs of any dependent children living with the surviving spouse.

The DIC program is designed to assist spouses and dependent children of service members who have died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or disease. When there is a dependent child in the household, the spouse's overall compensation is adjusted to account for the costs and additional responsibilities that come with raising a child.

Consequently, while individual benefits for the child may be available, they are typically incorporated into the overall benefit calculation for the spouse, ensuring that the family unit receives a comprehensive level of support suitable for their circumstances. This arrangement simplifies the process for the surviving spouse and ensures that the family's needs are met in a cohesive manner.