KEY TAKEAWAYS The 2026 base DIC rate is $1,699.36 per month — a 2.8% increase effective December 1, 2025 — with additional amounts available for children, Aid and Attendance, and the 8-year provision. The "Widows Tax" was fully eliminated in 2023 — surviving spouses who receive both DIC and SBP payments no longer have their SBP reduced by the DIC amount. The 2026 Survivors … [Read more...] about VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Veterans: Your 2026 Guide