What Are VA Accrued Benefits?
You may wonder — happens to my VA benefits when I am gone? VA benefits can be complicated and you may need help to understand the ins and outs. When a veteran has applied for benefits or benefits are due to the veteran at the time of their death, their dependents may be eligible for what are known as accrued benefits paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many veterans who receive VA disability benefits or have applied for benefits may be asking — what are VA accrued benefits — and we may be able to answer your questions here at VA Benefits Attorneys.
Accrued benefits are defined as benefits that are due to a veteran — but not paid prior to their death and can be commuted to the veteran’s dependents. Key examples of accrued benefits are a disability claim or appeal that was pending and expected to be approved when the veteran passed away OR a recurring benefit that was approved, but not awarded to the veteran prior to their death. This includes when multiple benefit checks were not deposited or negotiated when the veteran passed away.
Who Is Eligible to Receive VA Accrued Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs pays accrued benefits based on the relationship between the dependent and the veteran. Accrued benefits are paid based on a line of succession that is legally enforced and based on two key elements — the unpaid benefits owed based on existing disability ratings or decisions AND a qualifying relationship with the veteran. Relationships that qualify for accrued benefits include a surviving spouse, dependent children (including children ages 18 – 23 in school), and dependent parents. If there is no person who is eligible to receive the accrued benefits, the VA may reimburse the individual who paid for the last illness or burial expenses.
Here is a breakdown of how the relationship with the deceased veteran affects the accrued benefits and payments.
READ MORE: Top 5 Lesser-Known VA Benefits You Might Be Missing Out On
| Relationship with Veteran | Accrued Benefit Payment |
|---|---|
| Surviving Spouse | Accrued benefits paid in full to the surviving spouse. |
| Dependent Children | Equal shares of accrued benefits paid to surviving dependent children. |
| Dependent Parents (both) | Equal shares of accrued benefits paid to parents dependent on the veteran at the time of death. |
| Surviving Parent | Accrued benefits paid in full to the surviving parent if dependent on the veteran at time of death. |
How To Apply for VA Accrued Benefits
Do you think that you may be eligible for accrued benefits? You may need to know how to apply for VA accrued benefits and VA Benefits Attorneys may be able to help. To apply for accrued benefits the claimant must have four documents — the veteran’s DD-214, a death certificate, letters of administration/testamentary, and applicable billing statements for reimbursement claims — and the claim must be filed within one year of the beneficiary’s death or the date of notification. Forms that you may need to file a claim include VA Form 21P-601, VA Form 21P-534EZ, VA Form 21P-535, VA Form 21P-0847, or VA Form 21P-601.
READ MORE: What Are Temporary VA Disability Ratings?
There is always more to learn about VA benefits and you may be asking — what are VA accrued benefits? If you have questions about VA accrued benefits like whether or not you are eligible or how to file a claim, VA Benefits Attorneys is here to help answer your questions. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for a FREE case review!
