Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (va.gov), checked Aug 21, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)Surviving spouses, children, or parents of a service member who died in the line of duty or a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness.
- Higher monthly DIC payment for surviving spouses with dependentsSurviving spouses with a child under 18, a child 18 to 23 who attends school, or a child over 18 permanently incapable of self-support.
- Marital status verification for DIC benefitsSurviving spouses receiving DIC benefits who are asked to verify or report changes to their marital status.
- Claim filing help for survivor benefitsSurviving spouses, children, and parents applying for DIC or survivor benefits.
- Intent to file for DIC benefitsPeople planning to apply for DIC benefits who need time to gather evidence and may want to protect an earlier effective date.
- Online claim status and payment history accessPeople who applied for DIC benefits or who already receive DIC benefits.
Eligibility (general guidance)
Open to Connecticut veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; some programs also serve very low-income veteran families. Confirm specific requirements on the official site or with an accredited Veterans Service Officer.
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (va.gov), checked Aug 21, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Confirm your survivor status and choose the matching application form: VA Form 21P-534a for a surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, VA Form 21P-534EZ for a surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, or VA Form 21P-535 for a surviving parent.
- Gather evidence for your claim. The program's site lists evidence such as military service records, doctor’s reports, and medical test results showing the qualifying death or disability basis.
- Fill out the application form for your survivor status.
- If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, work with your military casualty assistance officer to complete VA Form 21P-534a and mail it to the correct VA regional office.
- Submit your form by working with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative, uploading it through QuickSubmit, mailing it to the Pension Intake Center, or going to a VA regional office for help.
- Consider submitting an intent to file form before you apply if you need time to gather evidence and want to protect a potential earlier effective date.
- After you apply, check your claim status online.
What to bring
- VA Form 21P-534a
- VA Form 21P-534EZ
- VA Form 21P-535
- Military service records
- Doctor’s reports
- Medical test results
What to expect
You can check your claim status online, and the timeline listed there may vary based on how complex your claim is. After you apply, VA may select you for a short survey and will contact you using your email address on file.
Contact
- Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-383824/7 — connects veterans who are homeless or at risk with local help.
- Serves all of Connecticut
Next step
See every Connecticut program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the Connecticut guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: VA.gov, the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation)
More verified resources in Connecticut
State housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Connecticut residents including veterans.
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs administers Connecticut-specific veteran housing programs and benefits and connects veterans with accredited service officers, state benefits, and local resources.
SSVF provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention for very low-income Connecticut veteran families, including temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, deposits, and case management through VA-funded community partners.
HUD-VASH combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management and clinical services for Connecticut veterans who are homeless or at risk. Apply through your local public housing authority and nearest VA medical center.