Military survivor benefits are going up in 2027: How much more spouses could receive

Starting December 1, 2026, surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) will see a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in their monthly benefits. For dependents of veterans who passed away on or after January 1, 1993, the base compensation will increase from $1,699 to $1,760 per month, adding an extra $734 over the course of the year.Spouses who additionally qualify for the eight-year total disability provision will see their minimum monthly payments rise to $2,134.

Families may also receive substantial boosts based on extra qualifying factors, such as having children under 18, requiring daily care assistance, or being housebound. With these allowances applied, a surviving spouse with two children could see their total annual benefits grow by nearly $1,600. For survivors of veterans who died prior to 1993, payments remain linked to the service member's military pay grade, with the highest base monthly compensation climbing to $4,034 under the new adjustment.