VetsFirst Q&A: Can I Receive Both SBP and DIC Benefits at the Same Time?

Question:

I am the widow of a service-connected veteran who was a military retiree. Can I receive both a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits at the same time?

Answer:

In general, an individual cannot receive both SBP and DIC concurrently. When the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is informed that an individual is eligible to receive DIC from VA, DFAS will deduct the amount of DIC received from the SBP annuity. This is commonly known as the SBP/DIC offset.

If the SBP annuity is greater than the DIC benefit, a partial refund of premiums paid into the program during the veteran’s retirement will be made. If the DIC benefit is greater than the SBP annuity, SBP will be stopped completely and all basic spouse premiums paid into the program during the veteran’s retirement will be refunded.

If an individual remarries at the age of 57 or older, however, he or she may receive both benefits without an offset.

Please feel free to browse our VetsFirst Knowledge Books for answers to this and other questions. If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please submit it directly to Ask VetsFirst.