The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the service-connected death of an individual while on active duty.  The deceased must either have been entitled to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill program or a participant in the program who would have been so entitled but for the high school diploma or length of service requirement.  The amount paid will be equal to the deceased member’s actual military pay reduction less any educational benefits paid.

If you are eligible to receive the death benefit, submit a letter, along with proof of relationship and a copy of the DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, to the appropriate VA Regional Office.  The death benefit is made in "by-law" fashion to the spouse, children, and parents, and will not be paid to anyone else in the "by-law" chain.

Your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or the nearest VA office can help you apply for this benefit.