Spouses of veterans play a significant role in supporting their loved ones through active service, deployments, relocations, and the long-term effects of military life.

Yet many spouses aren’t aware of the range of benefits available to them — or assume benefits only begin when a veteran passes away. In reality, some programs are available during the veteran's lifetime, while others apply only to surviving spouses.

This article explains which benefits spouses may qualify for, how eligibility works, and what steps to take when applying. It also separates Department of Veterans Affairs programs from Department of Defense programs, since they are often confused.

Keeping track of forms, eligibility letters, service records, and benefit approvals can become overwhelming. A secure digital vault like Trustworthy's makes it much easier to store, organize, and share documents with family members or professionals in a secure, private, and accessible way.

Eligibility Requirements for Veteran Spouse Benefits

Who qualifies as a veteran's spouse for VA benefit purposes?

A: For most VA programs, a spouse must be legally married to a veteran who served on active duty and received a discharge other than dishonorable.

Some benefits require the veteran to have a specific disability rating, while others only apply to surviving spouses. Former spouses may qualify for certain Defense Department benefits under specific rules, but most VA benefits do not extend to former spouses.

Can spouses receive benefits while the veteran is still living?

A: Yes, in some situations. CHAMPVA health care, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, and some home-loan advantages may be available if the veteran meets the required disability criteria.

Other benefits — such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivors Pensions — apply only after a veteran’s death.

Does remarriage affect spouse benefits?

A: For most VA benefits, a surviving spouse who remarries before age 55 loses eligibility.

Remarriage after age 55 may allow the spouse to continue receiving DIC, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. Defense Department programs, including Tricare health coverage, have different rules and generally do not allow remarriage.

Is Tricare a benefit for veterans' spouses?

A: Tricare is a Defense Department program, not a VA benefit. It is available only when the service member meets Defense Department eligibility requirements, such as being on active duty, medically retired, or retired with sufficient years of service.

Most veterans do not qualify for Tricare, and Tricare is not based on VA disability ratings.

Healthcare and Medical Benefits for Veterans' Spouses

What is CHAMPVA, and who qualifies for it?

A: CHAMPVA, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of Veterans Affairs, is a health coverage program for spouses and dependents only when the veteran meets specific disability or service-related criteria. A spouse may qualify if the veteran:

• Has a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating.

• Died from a service-connected disability.

• Died while rated permanently and totally disabled.

CHAMPVA covers inpatient care, outpatient care, mental health services, prescriptions, surgeries, and some medical supplies.

How does CHAMPVA differ from Tricare?

A: Tricare eligibility is based on military service status (active duty, National Guard/Reserve activation, or military retirement).
CHAMPVA eligibility is based on VA disability status.

Are pharmacy benefits available to veteran spouses?

A: Yes. CHAMPVA includes prescription coverage and access to the Meds by Mail program for maintenance medications. TRICARE has a separate pharmacy system for those who qualify through the DoD.

Education and Training Benefits for Veterans' Spouses

What education programs are available to spouses through the VA?

A: Qualifying spouses may receive education benefits through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. It helps cover college tuition, trade schools, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and job training programs.

Can spouses use the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

A: Only if the service member transferred unused benefits to the spouse while on active duty and met the DoD’s transferability requirements. GI Bill benefits are not automatically available to spouses based on veteran status.

Does the MyCAA program apply to spouses of veterans?

A: No. MyCAA, or My Career Advancement Account, is a Defense Department education and career training program for spouses of active-duty service members in specific pay grades. It does not apply to spouses of veterans or retirees.

Financial and Survivor Benefits for Spouses of Veterans

What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?

A: DIC is a tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses of service members or veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition.

The base rate is adjusted annually for cost-of-living, and surviving spouses may qualify for additional allowances. Because amounts change every year, the VA publishes current rates online.

What is the Survivors Pension?

A: The Survivors Pension provides income-based support for low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans. Eligibility depends on the veteran’s service, the spouse’s income, allowable medical deductions, and the VA’s annual net worth limit.

The MAPR (maximum annual pension rate) varies by household situation and is updated annually.

Can surviving spouses receive Aid & Attendance?

A: Aid & Attendance is an additional payment for surviving spouses receiving the Survivors Pension who need help with daily activities. It cannot be received as a stand-alone benefit.

Home Loans, Housing, and Burial Benefits for Spouses

Do spouses qualify for VA-backed home loans?

A: A surviving spouse may qualify for a VA home loan if the service member died in the line of duty or if the veteran died from a service-connected condition after leaving the military.

Do spouses receive home adaptation assistance?

A: Home adaptation grants — such as Specially Adapted Housing or Special Housing Adaptation grants — are available only to eligible disabled veterans, not their spouses.

What burial and memorial benefits are available?

A: The VA may help cover burial allowances, headstones or markers, burial in a national cemetery, and certain memorial items. Eligibility depends on the veteran’s service history and discharge status.

Important documents such as discharge papers, funeral preferences, life insurance information, and benefit award letters can be stored securely in Trustworthy so they remain private, organized, and accessible when needed.

How to Apply for VA Spouse Benefits

How does a spouse apply for VA benefits?

A: Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or at a VA regional office. Required documents may include marriage certificates, the veteran’s DD214 (discharge record), medical evidence, disability decision letters, or a death certificate, depending on the benefit.

How long does the VA claims process take?

A: Timelines vary depending on the claim type and complexity. Online submissions generally receive the fastest acknowledgment. Final decisions may take several months.

The Bottom Line

Spouses of veterans may qualify for a variety of benefits depending on the veteran’s disability rating, service history, and whether the spouse is applying during the veteran’s life or as a survivor.

Keeping important documents organized — such as DD214s, marriage certificates, medical evidence, and benefit award letters — can make the application process more straightforward. That's where Trustworthy can make the process so much simpler. You can get started with Trustworthy for free.