VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits
VA Form 21P-534EZ lets surviving spouses, children, and parents apply for up to three benefits in one application: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Survivors Pension, and accrued benefits the deceased was owed.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 21P-534EZ?
The three benefits on this form work differently. DIC is a monthly payment to survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition. Survivors Pension is a needs-based payment for surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. Accrued benefits are amounts VA owed the veteran but had not paid at the time of death.
Because it is an EZ fully developed claim form, VA can decide the claim faster when you attach your evidence up front: the death certificate, marriage and birth records establishing your relationship, and financial details if you are claiming pension. Survivors of Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans may have added eligibility under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
Who files VA Form 21P-534EZ?
- Surviving spouses of service members who died on duty or veterans who died of service-connected causes
- Surviving spouses and unmarried children seeking needs-based Survivors Pension after a wartime veteran's death
- Children or other eligible survivors claiming accrued benefits VA owed the deceased
- Surviving parents should note that parents' DIC uses a different form; check va.gov before filing
How to fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ
- Collect the veteran's discharge papers, the death certificate, and records proving your relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
- Complete the sections identifying you, the veteran, and the benefit or benefits you are claiming.
- If you claim Survivors Pension, report household income, assets, and unreimbursed medical expenses fully; attach VA Form 21P-8416 or 21P-0969 where the instructions require.
- Sign and date the application, and include VA Form 21-2680 if you are claiming Aid and Attendance.
- Mail everything to the Pension Intake Center address in the form instructions, apply online at va.gov, or file through an accredited representative.
Quick fill VA Form 21P-534EZ on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open VA Form 21P-534EZ in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive both DIC and Survivors Pension?
No. If you qualify for both, VA pays the higher benefit, which is usually DIC. Applying with the 534EZ lets VA evaluate you for each benefit in one step.
Is there a deadline to apply?
You can apply at any time, but timing affects the effective date. If VA receives the application within one year of the death, benefits can generally be paid back to the first of the month of death. File as early as you can, and check current rules at va.gov.
Does remarriage end a surviving spouse's eligibility?
It can, but there are exceptions based on your age at remarriage and current law. Check the latest rules at va.gov or ask an accredited representative before assuming you are ineligible.