Accrued benefits and substitution

What it is

Accrued benefits are benefits VA owed the person but had not paid before they died. If the Veteran also had a claim, review or appeal still open, VA lets an eligible survivor "substitute": take over that claim or appeal and keep it going, including sending more evidence. That can turn into more back pay for the family.

Who is paid, and in what order

For a deceased Veteran, VA pays in this order (VA fact sheet and VA page):

1. Surviving spouse (the full amount).
2. Dependent children, in equal shares.
3. Financially dependent parents, in equal shares.

Someone who paid for the Veteran's last illness or burial can ask to be reimbursed only if there is no surviving spouse, dependent child or dependent parent.

How to ask, step by step

1. Gather the Veteran's DD214 or separation papers and the death certificate. If an estate executor is involved, VA also asks for the court-certified letters of administration or testamentary. For expense reimbursement, itemized bills on company letterhead.
2. Spouse or child of the Veteran: fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ and mail it to VA. Parent: VA Form 21P-535, by mail. Reimbursement of expenses: VA Form 21P-601 (online or by mail).
3. If the Veteran had a claim or appeal still open and you want to take it over, submit VA Form 21P-0847 (Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant).
4. Keep a copy of everything you send and write down the date.

Deadlines and traps

• Accrued benefits claim: within 1 year of the death (VA page).
• Substitution: within 1 year of the original claimant's death; if a substitute later dies, the next person has 1 year from that death (VA fact sheet).
• Some lump sums VA withheld while the Veteran was in care: VA's page gives 5 years from the Veteran's death.
• Form 21P-534EZ also covers D.I.C. and survivors pension, so one form can start several survivor claims. See VA's D.I.C. page linked below.
• You can also choose not to substitute; VA says you may waive that right.

Where to call and where to go

Phone

• VA benefits hotline: 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Number source: VA accrued benefits fact sheet; hours source: Helpful VA phone numbers.
• Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: 988, then select 1. Source: Helpful VA phone numbers

Official pages

• VA: accrued benefits
• VA Form 21P-534EZ (D.I.C., survivors pension and/or accrued benefits)
• VA Form 21P-535 (parents)
• VA Form 21P-601 (accrued amounts due a deceased beneficiary)
• Request to be a substitute claimant online (Form 21P-0847; VA loads this form with JavaScript)
• VA: D.I.C. for spouses, dependents and parents

Free accredited help

• Find an accredited representative (attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization representative). VA says a VSO representative's help on VA claims is always free.