2022-2023 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Updated: November 9, 2022
Written by MilitaryBenefits · Reviewed by Eldon Mullis to meet our Standards of Care
Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates are on track to increase 8.7% in 2023, based on the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase.
Congress must pass the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022 to lock in the 2023 COLA increase for veterans benefits, including VA disability and DIC. Once passed, DIC rates become effective Dec. 1, 2022.
DIC rates increased 5.9% in 2022, in tandem with the year’s Social Security COLA.
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Survivors of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities may also receive this benefit.
Parents DIC is an income-based benefit for parents who were financially dependent on a service member or veteran who died from a service-related cause.
See our COLA increase watch for the most recent updates on COLA. Dependency and indemnity compensation rate increases are determined by cost-of-living adjustments.
2023 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Dates
Effective date: Dec. 1, 2022
First paycheck: Dec. 30, 2022
DIC Rates If the Veteran Died on or After Jan. 1, 1993
If you’re the surviving spouse of a veteran, your monthly payment rate is $1,562.73, effective Dec. 1, 2022.
You may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. Find any descriptions in the table below that are true for you. Add the amount listed in the added monthly amount column of each description to your monthly payment. This is your total monthly payment.
Added Amounts for Surviving Spouses
Veteran’s Death Was on or After Jan. 1, 1993
Basic monthly rate = $1,562.726 (38 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1))
Additional Allowances:
If this description is true: You may qualify for this benefit Added monthly amount (in U.S. $)
The veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabled (including for individual unemployability) for at least eight full years leading up to their death, and you were married to the veteran for those same eight years Eight-year provision $331.83
You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities (like eating, bathing or dressing) Aid and attendance $387.15
You can’t leave your house because of a disability Housebound allowance $181.35
You have one or more children who are under age 18 Transitional benefit, and
DIC apportionment rate $332.67 for the first two years after the veteran’s death
$387.15 for each eligible child
DIC apportionment rate
$387.15 for each eligible child
Find the survivor status below that applies to you.
Surviving Dependent Child of a Veteran, When the Veteran Has No Surviving Spouse:
Your monthly payment rate is $659.82, effective Dec. 1, 2022.
Surviving, Unmarried Adult Child of a Veteran, When the Veteran’s Surviving Spouse Is Also Eligible for DIC:
This monthly payment is made to you separately as the adult surviving child, in addition to the eligible surviving spouse’s compensation.
Monthly DIC Payment Rates
Effective Dec. 1, 2022
Child Status Monthly Payment
Schoolchild: $327.99
Helpless child: $659.82
Surviving Eligible Child of a Veteran, When the Veteran Doesn’t Have a Surviving Spouse Who’s Eligible for DIC:
Your DIC payment amount is based on the number of the veteran’s eligible surviving children. Eligible children include children who are under age 18 or who are between ages 18 and 23 and in a qualified school program.
Monthly Payment Rates
Effective Dec. 1, 2022
| Number of Eligible Children | Monthly Rate for Each Child | Total Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| One | $659.83 | $659.83 |
| Two | $474.61 | $949.21 |
| Three | $412.88 | $1,238.63 |
| Four | $368.50 | $1,474.00 |
| Five | $341.87 | $1,709.38 |
| Six | $324.13 | $1,944.76 |
| Seven | $311.45 | $2,180.14 |
| Eight | $301.94 | $2,415.52 |
| Nine | $294.54 | $2,650.90 |
*For each helpless child (an adult child who became permanently unable to support themselves before age 18) older than 18, add $356.16
**For each additional child, add $235.38
2023 Surviving Spouse’s Rates
Veteran’s Death Was Before Jan. 1, 1993
Enlisted Pay Grades
E-1 E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5
$1,562.73 $1,562.73 $1,562.73 $1,562.73 $1,562.73
E-6 E-7 E-8 E-9 E-9*
$1,562.73 $1,616.75 $1,706.80 $1,780.115 $1,921.60
* E-9 special capacity veteran spouse rate: $1,921.60
- Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps
- Senior enlisted adviser of the Navy
- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
2023 Warrant Officer Pay Grades
Warrant Officer Rank
W-1 W-2 W-3 W-4
$1,650.22 $1,715.80 $1,765.96 $1,868.85
2023 Officer Pay Grades
| Officer Rank | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | O-2 | O-3 | O-4 |
| $1,650.218 | $1,706.81 | $1,823.83 | $1,942.36 |
| O-5 | O-6 | O-7 | O-8 |
| $2,127.39 | $2,398.78 | $2,589.11 | $2,843.80 |
| O-9 | O-10 | O-10* | |
| $3,041.87 | $3,336.41 | $3,580.80 | |
O-10 special capacity veteran served as: $3,580.80
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chief of Staff of the Army or Air Force
Chief of Naval Operations
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Survivor Benefit Plan
The Survivor Benefit Plan, sponsored and subsidized by the Department of Defense, provides up to 55% of a service member’s retired pay to an eligible beneficiary if a service member passes away.
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