What type of death benefit may be available for a surviving spouse of a service member?

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related injury or disease. This benefit recognizes the sacrifice of service members and supports their families by providing crucial financial assistance during a difficult time.

DIC aims to help surviving spouses manage living expenses and maintain a degree of financial stability after the loss of their loved one. Eligibility for DIC requires that the death of the service member either occurred during active duty or was connected to their military service, reflecting the VA's commitment to supporting families of veterans.

While other options may pertain to benefits that could provide assistance in different circumstances, they do not specifically address the key financial support offered under DIC for the surviving spouse of a service member.