January 1, 1993. Additional adjustments to the amount may also be possible for the deceased and their spouses with total disability and households with dependent children under 18. But though this program has served an important role, lawmakers and concerned stakeholders have underscored how beneficiaries are limited by factors such as remarriage and how its flat structure falls short of reflecting the veteran’s rank, years of service, and lifetime earnings. And this is said to be in contrast with the retirement system for federal employees, which allows dependents to receive up to 55% of the retiree’s basic annuity. Some potential beneficiaries stated how access to DIC is often complicated by a lack of clear, accessible information, causing misunderstanding among dependents and deterring them from submitting their applications. Consistent with this, one surviving spouse expressed how this confusion initially prevented her from even pursuing the support she needed. “I disqualified myself for filing for DIC because I read the rules, and it said that he [my husband] had to be 100% disabled for ten years,” she said. “Six months later, I did internet research. I finally read the rules again, and I kind of got through what I was reading that said that if I could prove that my husband’s death was connected to his military injury or disability, even though I didn’t meet the ten-year 100% disability, I could possibly still get it. It took me six months for that to go through,” the spouse added.
Other programs such as the Survivors’ Pension, CHAMPVA health coverage, and VA-backed educational and housing assistance—have likewise provided supplementary support. However, these initiatives often have strict eligibility criteria, which can leave gaps in financial standing and access to care. And the same surviving spouse also described the financial shock
Nearly 10% of Pima County residents are veterans.
education and housing support without unnecessary barriers. Ultimately, thoughtful and targeted improvements would help households manage the lasting impact of service-related challenges while maintaining dignity and economic security. Most importantly, by addressing both the strengths and limitations of existing programs, policymakers and community leaders alike can ensure that the sacrifices shared by service members and their families are met with support that is meaningful, equitable, and sustainable. ◆
that followed her husband’s passing and even noted how limited support compounded the loss. “So, I lost more than 75% of my income right at the point of my husband’s death…[the system] was so overwhelming—the stuff that you’ve got to teach yourself if your husband is a disabled veteran. And it’s not openly there unless you know what to search for, if you know what you’re looking for. But that means you have to find out a little bit of information beforehand to even ask the question,” she said. For families in Pima County and throughout the country, strengthening support means resolving these concerns and exploring ways to provide stability beyond the current baseline. This could include aligning benefits more closely with service history, expanding eligibility for caregiver or health coverage, and ensuring survivors can access
FOR MORE INFORMATION about veterans’ exposure to toxic substances and advocacy visit asbestos-ships.com.
May & June 2026, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
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