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38 USC § 1311 - Dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s1311"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "38 USC § 1311 - Dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse"
title_number: 38
title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
section_number: "1311"
section_name: "Dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse"
chapter_number: 13
chapter_name: "DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DEATHS"
subchapter_number: "II"
subchapter_name: "DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION"
part_number: "II"
part_name: "GENERAL BENEFITS"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-21"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1127, § 411; Pub. L. 87–268, § 1(b), Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 88–21, § 1, May 15, 1963, 77 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 88–134, § 1, Oct. 5, 1963, 77 Stat. 223; Pub. L. 91–24, § 4(b), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 91–96, § 3, Oct. 27, 1969, 83 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 91–588, § 3(a), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1583; Pub. L. 92–197, § 1, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 660; Pub. L. 92–455, § 4, Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 93–295, title II, § 201, May 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 182; Pub. L. 94–71, title II, § 201, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 94–433, title II, § 201, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1375; Pub. L. 95–117, title II, § 201, Oct. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 1064; Pub. L. 95–479, title II, § 201, Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1562; Pub. L. 96–128, title II, § 201, Nov. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 984; Pub. L. 96–385, title II, § 201, Oct. 7, 1980, 94 Stat. 1529; Pub. L. 97–66, title II, § 201, Oct. 17, 1981, 95 Stat. 1028; Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, § 405(e), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 97–306, title I, §§ 104, 107, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1430, 1431; Pub. L. 98–223, title I, § 104, Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 38; Pub. L. 98–543, title I, § 104, Oct. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 2736; Pub. L. 99–238, title I, § 104, Jan. 13, 1986, 99 Stat. 1766; Pub. L. 99–576, title I, § 104, Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3251; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, § 1314(d)[(1)], Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1176; Pub. L. 100–227, title I, § 104, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1554; Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XI, § 1104, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4124; Pub. L. 101–237, title I, § 104, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 102–3, § 5, Feb. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 9; renumbered § 1311 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 102–152, § 5, Nov. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 986; Pub. L. 102–568, title I, § 102(a), (b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4321, 4322; Pub. L. 103–78, § 4, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 103–140, § 5, Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1486; Pub. L. 105–98, § 5, Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2156; Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, § 8207(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 495; Pub. L. 106–117, title V, § 502(b), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1574; Pub. L. 106–118, § 5, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 107–94, § 5, Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 901; Pub. L. 107–330, title III, § 309(d), Dec. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 2830; Pub. L. 108–183, title I, § 101(b), Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2652; Pub. L. 108–454, title III, §§ 301(a), 307(d), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3610, 3613; Pub. L. 109–111, § 2(d), Nov. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2363; Pub. L. 109–233, title V, § 502(3), June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 109–361, § 4, Oct. 16, 2006, 120 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 109–444, § 9(d), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3315; Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §§ 1005(d), 1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3467, 3468; Pub. L. 110–324, § 3(d), Sept. 24, 2008, 122 Stat. 3551; Pub. L. 111–37, § 3(d), June 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 111–275, title VI, § 602, Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2884.)"
---

# § 1311. Dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse

**(a)**

**(1)** Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to a surviving spouse at the monthly rate of $1,154.

**(2)** The rate under paragraph (1) shall be increased by $246 in the case of the death of a veteran who at the time of death was in receipt of or was entitled to receive (or but for the receipt of retired pay or retirement pay was entitled to receive) compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. In determining the period of a veteran’s disability for purposes of the preceding sentence, only periods in which the veteran was married to the surviving spouse shall be considered.

**(3)** In the case of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to a surviving spouse that is predicated on the death of a veteran before January 1, 1993, the monthly rate of such compensation shall be the amount based on the pay grade of such veteran, as set forth in the following table, if the amount is greater than the total amount determined with respect to that veteran under paragraphs (1) and (2):

| Pay grade | Monthly rate | Pay grade | Monthly rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 If the veteran served as sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse’s rate shall be $1,419. |  |  |  |
| 2 If the veteran served as Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine Corps, or Commandant of the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse’s rate shall be $2,643. |  |  |  |
| E–1 | $1,154 | W–4 | $1,380 |
| E–2 | $1,154 | O–1 | $1,219 |
| E–3 | $1,154 | O–2 | $1,260 |
| E–4 | $1,154 | O–3 | $1,347 |
| E–5 | $1,154 | O–4 | $1,427 |
| E–6 | $1,154 | O–5 | $1,571 |
| E–7 | $1,194 | O–6 | $1,771 |
| E–8 | $1,260 | O–7 | $1,912 |
| E–9 | $1,3141 | O–8 | $2,100 |
| W–1 | $1,219 | O–9 | $2,246 |
| W–2 | $1,267 | O–10 | $2,463 2 |
| W–3 | $1,305 |  | ............ |

**(b)** If there is a surviving spouse with one or more children below the age of eighteen of a deceased veteran, the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the surviving spouse shall be increased by $286 for each such child.

**(c)** The monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse shall be increased by $286 if the spouse is (1) a patient in a nursing home or (2) blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.

**(d)** The monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse shall be increased by $135 if the surviving spouse is, by reason of disability, permanently housebound but does not qualify for the aid and attendance allowance under subsection (c) of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, the requirement of “permanently housebound” will be considered to have been met when the surviving spouse is substantially confined to such surviving spouse’s home (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises by reason of a disability or disabilities which it is reasonably certain will remain throughout such surviving spouse’s lifetime.

**(e)** In the case of an individual who is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under this section by reason of section 103(d)(2)(B) of this title who is also eligible for benefits under another provision of law by reason of such individual’s status as the surviving spouse of a veteran, then, notwithstanding any other provision of law (other than section 5304(b)(3) of this title), no reduction in benefits under such other provision of law shall be made by reason of such individual’s eligibility for benefits under this section.

**(f)**

**(1)** Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), if there is a surviving spouse with one or more children below the age of 18, the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the surviving spouse shall be increased by $250 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (4)), regardless of the number of such children.

**(2)** Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be increased under this subsection only for months occurring during the two-year period beginning on the date on which entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation commenced.

**(3)** The increase in dependency and indemnity compensation of a surviving spouse under this subsection shall cease beginning with the first month commencing after the month in which all children of the surviving spouse have attained the age of 18.

**(4)** Whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination made under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Secretary shall, effective on the date of such increase in benefit amounts, increase the amount payable under paragraph (1), as such amount was in effect immediately prior to the date of such increase in benefit amounts, by the same percentage as the percentage by which such benefit amounts are increased. Any increase in a dollar amount under this paragraph shall be rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount.

**(5)** Dependency and indemnity compensation under this subsection is in addition to any other dependency and indemnity compensation payable under this chapter.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1127, § 411; Pub. L. 87–268, § 1(b), Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 566; Pub. L. 88–21, § 1, May 15, 1963, 77 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 88–134, § 1, Oct. 5, 1963, 77 Stat. 223; Pub. L. 91–24, § 4(b), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 91–96, § 3, Oct. 27, 1969, 83 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 91–588, § 3(a), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1583; Pub. L. 92–197, § 1, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 660; Pub. L. 92–455, § 4, Oct. 2, 1972, 86 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 93–295, title II, § 201, May 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 182; Pub. L. 94–71, title II, § 201, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 94–433, title II, § 201, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1375; Pub. L. 95–117, title II, § 201, Oct. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 1064; Pub. L. 95–479, title II, § 201, Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1562; Pub. L. 96–128, title II, § 201, Nov. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 984; Pub. L. 96–385, title II, § 201, Oct. 7, 1980, 94 Stat. 1529; Pub. L. 97–66, title II, § 201, Oct. 17, 1981, 95 Stat. 1028; Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, § 405(e), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 97–306, title I, §§ 104, 107, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1430, 1431; Pub. L. 98–223, title I, § 104, Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 38; Pub. L. 98–543, title I, § 104, Oct. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 2736; Pub. L. 99–238, title I, § 104, Jan. 13, 1986, 99 Stat. 1766; Pub. L. 99–576, title I, § 104, Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3251; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, § 1314(d)[(1)], Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1176; Pub. L. 100–227, title I, § 104, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1554; Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XI, § 1104, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4124; Pub. L. 101–237, title I, § 104, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 102–3, § 5, Feb. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 9; renumbered § 1311 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 102–152, § 5, Nov. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 986; Pub. L. 102–568, title I, § 102(a), (b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4321, 4322; Pub. L. 103–78, § 4, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 103–140, § 5, Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1486; Pub. L. 105–98, § 5, Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2156; Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, § 8207(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 495; Pub. L. 106–117, title V, § 502(b), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1574; Pub. L. 106–118, § 5, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 107–94, § 5, Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 901; Pub. L. 107–330, title III, § 309(d), Dec. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 2830; Pub. L. 108–183, title I, § 101(b), Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2652; Pub. L. 108–454, title III, §§ 301(a), 307(d), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3610, 3613; Pub. L. 109–111, § 2(d), Nov. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2363; Pub. L. 109–233, title V, § 502(3), June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 109–361, § 4, Oct. 16, 2006, 120 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 109–444, § 9(d), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3315; Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §§ 1005(d), 1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3467, 3468; Pub. L. 110–324, § 3(d), Sept. 24, 2008, 122 Stat. 3551; Pub. L. 111–37, § 3(d), June 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1929; Pub. L. 111–275, title VI, § 602, Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2884.)

### Disability Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rate Increases

For increases in rates of Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation, see notes set out under .

## Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(4), is , . Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see  and Tables.

### Amendments

2010—Subsec. (f)(1). , inserted “(as increased from time to time under paragraph (4))” after “$250”.

Subsec. (f)(4), (5). , (3), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$1,154” for “$1,091”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$246” for “$233”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “$1,419” for “$1,342”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,643” for “$2,499”.

Subsecs. (b), (c). , (B), substituted “$286” for “$271”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$135” for “$128”.

2008—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$1,091” for “$1,067”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$233” for “$228”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard,” for “Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard,” and “$1,342” for “$1,312”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “Vice-Chairman” for “Vice Chairman” and “$2,499” for “$2,443”.

Subsecs. (b), (c). , (B), substituted “$271” for “$265”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$128” for “$126”.

2006—, provided that as of the enactment of , the amendments made by  were deemed for all purposes not to have taken effect and that  ceased to be in effect. See Amendment notes below and , set out as a Coordination of Provisions With  note under .

Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$1,067” for “$1,033”.

, which substituted “$1,067” for “$1,033”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$228” for “$221”.

, which substituted “$228” for “$221”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard” for “sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard” and “$1,312” for “$1,271”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,443” for “$2,365”.

, which generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard” for “sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard” and “$1,312” for “$1,271”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,443” for “$2,365”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$265” for “$257”.

, which substituted “$265” for “$257”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$265” for “$257”.

, which substituted “$265” for “$257”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (c)(2).  substituted “blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to” for “helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$126” for “$122”.

, which substituted “$126” for “$122”, was terminated by . See Amendment notes above.

Subsecs. (e), (f).  redesignated subsec. (e) relating to increased dependency and indemnity compensation as (f).

2005—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$1,033” for “$967”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$221” for “$208”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “$1,271” for “$1,189”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,365” for “$2,213”.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$257” for “$241”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$257” for “$241”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$122” for “$115”.

2004—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$967” for “$948”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$208” for “$204”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “$1,189” for “$1,165”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,213” for “$2,168”.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$241” for “$237”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$241” for “$237”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$115” for “$113”.

Subsec. (e). , added subsec. (e) relating to increased dependency and indemnity compensation.

2003—Subsec. (e).  added subsec. (e).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$948” for “$935”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$204” for “$202”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard” for “Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard” and “$1,165” for “$1,149”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,168” for “$2,139”.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$237” for “$234”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$237” for “$234”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$113” for “$112”.

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$935” for “$881”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$202” for “$191”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, in footnote 1, substituted “Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer” for “sergeant major of the Army, senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer” and “$1,149” for “$1,082”, and, in footnote 2, substituted “$2,139” for “$2,013”.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$234” for “$222”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$234” for “$222”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$112” for “$107”.

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$881” for “$850”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$191” for “$185”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, substituted “” for “” and “$1,082” for “$1,044” in footnote 1, and substituted “” for “” and “$2,013” for “$1,941” in footnote 2.

Subsecs. (b), (c). , (d), substituted “$222” for “$215”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$107” for “$104”.

struck out subsec. (e) which provided that the termination by death, divorce, or annulment of the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran or cessation of a surviving spouse living with another person would not bar the furnishing of dependency or indemnity compensation in the absence of fraud.

1998—Subsec. (e).  added subsec. (e).

1997—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$850” for “$769”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$185” for “$169”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , inserted table entries for pay grades E–1 to E–6, generally upgraded monthly rates in table for pay grades E–7 to E–9, W–1 to W–4, and O–1 to O–10, substituted “” for “” and “$1,044” for “$943” in footnote 1, and substituted “” for “” and “$1,941” for “$1,753” in footnote 2.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$215 for each such child.” for “$100 for each such child during fiscal year 1993, $150 for each such child during fiscal year 1994, and $200 for each such child thereafter.”

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$215” for “$195”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$104” for “$95”.

1993—Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “$769” for “$750”.

Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “$169” for “$165”.

Subsec. (a)(3). , generally upgraded monthly rates in table for pay grades E–7 to E–9, W–1 to W–4, and O–1 to O–10, struck out table entries for pay grades E–1 to E–6, and substituted “$943” for “$934” in footnote 1 and “section 1302” for “section 402” and “$1,753” for “$1,744” in footnote 2.

, generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades in table.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$195” for “$191”.

, substituted “$191” for “$185”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$95” for “$93”.

, substituted “$93” for “$90”.

1992—Subsec. (a). , added pars. (1) to (3) before table and struck out former provision before table which read as follows: “Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to a surviving spouse, based on the pay grade of the person upon whose death entitlement is predicated, at monthly rates set forth in the following table:”.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$100 for each such child during fiscal year 1993, $150 for each such child during fiscal year 1994, and $200 for each such child thereafter” for “$71 for each such child”.

1991—, renumbered  as this section.

Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

, substituted “1302” for “402” in footnotes 1 and 2.

, generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$71” for “$68”.

, substituted “$68” for “$65”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$185” for “$178”.

, substituted “$178” for “$169”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$90” for “$87”.

, substituted “$87” for “$83”.

1989—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$65” for “$62”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$169” for “$161”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$83” for “$79”.

1988—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$62” for “$60”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$161” for “$155”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$79” for “$76”.

1987—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

inserted “or Vice Chairman” in footnote 2 after table.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$60” for “$58”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$155” for “$149”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$76” for “$73”.

1986—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

, generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$58” for “$57”.

, substituted “$57” for “$55”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$149” for “$147”.

, substituted “$147” for “$143”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$73” for “$72”.

, substituted “$72” for “$70”.

1984—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

, generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , substituted “$55” for “$53”.

, substituted “$53” for “$51”.

Subsec. (c). , substituted “$143” for “$139”.

, substituted “$139” for “$134”.

Subsec. (d). , substituted “$70” for “$68”.

, substituted “$68” for “$66”.

1982—Subsec. (a). , §§ 104(a), 107, 108, generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades, and repealed amendments made by , eff. .

, (h), eff. , lowered monthly rates for all grades and for positions mentioned in footnotes by $1, except for grades E–3 through E–7.

Subsec. (b). , §§ 104(b), 107, 108, substituted “$51” for “$48”, and repealed amendment made by , eff. .

, (h), eff. , substituted “$47” for “$48” after “shall be increased by”.

Subsec. (c). , §§ 104(c), 107, 108, substituted “$134” for “$125”, and repealed amendment made by , eff. .

, (h), eff. , substituted “$124” for “$125”.

Subsec. (d). , §§ 104(d), 107, 108, substituted “$66” for “$62”, and repealed amendment made by , eff. .

, (h), eff. , substituted “$61” for “$62” after “shall be increased by”.

1981—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , increased from $43 to $48 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $112 to $125.

Subsec. (d). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $56 to $62.

1980—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , increased from $38 to $43 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $98 to $112.

Subsec. (d). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $49 to $56.

1979—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , increased from $35 to $38 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $89 to $98.

Subsec. (d). , increased monthly rate from $45 to $49.

1978—Subsec. (a). , generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b). , increased from $33 to $35 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c). , increased monthly rate of compensation from $83 to $89.

Subsec. (d). , added subsec. (d).

1977—Subsec. (a).  generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b).  increased from $31 to $33 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c).  increased monthly rate of compensation payable to a surviving spouse from $78 to $83.

1976— substituted “surviving spouse” for “widow” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a).  substituted “surviving spouse” for “widow” and “pay grade of the person upon whose death entitlement is predicated” for “pay grade of her deceased husband” in text and “surviving spouse’s rate” for “widow’s rate” in footnotes 1 and 2 and generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b).  substituted “surviving spouse” for “widow” in two places and increased from $29 to $31 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c).  substituted “surviving spouse” and “spouse” for “widow” and “she” and increased monthly rate of compensation payable from $72 to $78.

1975—Subsec. (a).  generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b).  increased from $26 to $29 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c).  increased monthly rate of compensation payable to a widow from $64 to $72.

1974—Subsec. (a).  generally upgraded monthly rates for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b).  increased from $22 to $26 monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rate for each child.

Subsec. (c).  increased monthly rate of compensation payable to the widow from $55 to $64.

1972—Subsec. (a).  substituted in footnote 1 of table “chief master sergeant of the Air Force, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, or master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard,” for “chief master sergeant of the Air Force, or sergeant major of the Marine Corps,”.

1971—Subsec. (a).  generally upgraded monthly rate for all pay grades.

Subsec. (b).  increased dependency and indemnity compensation rate by $22 per month for each child from $20.

Subsec. (c).  reenacted subsec. (c) without change.

1970—Subsec. (c).  substituted “$55” for “$50”.

1969—Subsec. (a).  substituted provisions setting forth dependency and indemnity compensation table based on the pay grade of the deceased husband for provisions that dependency and indemnity compensation was to be paid at a monthly rate equal to $120 plus 12 per centum of basic pay of the deceased husband.

Subsec. (b).  substituted provisions which increased dependency and indemnity compensation rate by $20 per month for each child below the age of eighteen of a deceased veteran for provisions which increased dependency and indemnity compensation rate by $28 per month for each child of a deceased veteran in excess of one where there was a widow and two or more children below the age of eighteen and the total of monthly benefits they were receiving was less than a determined amount.

Subsec. (c).  substituted provisions increasing dependency and indemnity compensation rate by $50 per month for widows that are patients in nursing homes, or are helpless or blind for provisions authorizing Administrator to increase to next highest dollar any fraction of a dollar payable under former subsecs. (a) and (b).

Subsecs. (d) to (f).  struck out subsecs. (d) to (f) which provided for determination of amount of additional compensation payable to a widow under former provisions of subsec. (b).

Subsec. (d)(3).  substituted “section 228c–1(h)” for “section 228c–1(i)”.

1963—Subsec. (a).  increased from $112 to $120 the monthly rate of widow’s dependency and indemnity compensation.

Subsec. (b).  substituted “$28” for “$25”.

1961—Subsec. (d)(1).  substituted “section 412(a)” for “section 412”.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

> “Subsection (e) of
> 
> , United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect with respect to payments for the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [
> 
> ].”

, , , provided that:

### Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1999 Amendments

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

Amendment by  effective on first day of first month beginning after Nov. 1999, see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

> “No payment may be made by reason of
> 
> , United States Code, as added by subsection (a) [amending this section], for any month before October 1998.”

, , , provided that:

### Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

> “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on
> 
> .”

provided that:

### Effective Date of 1991 Amendments

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by  effective , but not effective unless benefit amounts payable under section 401 et seq. of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, are increased effective , as a result of a determination under , see , set out as a note under .

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1984 Amendments

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by  applicable only to payments for months beginning after , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

> “This Act [amending this section and sections 321, 322, 341, 413 to 415, 417 and 724 [now 1121, 1122, 1141, 1313 to 1315, 1317, and 1924] of this title and enacting provisions set out as note under
> 
> ] shall take effect on
> 
> .”

provided that:

### Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by  effective first day of second calendar month which begins after , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date of 1963 Amendments

> “The amendment made by this Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the effective date of the Uniformed Services Pay Act of 1963 [effective
> 
> ; see Short Title note set out under
> 
> , Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] or on
> 
> , whichever first occurs.”

, , , provided that:

> “The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 413 to 415 [now 1313 to 1315] of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the second calendar month which begins after the date of enactment of this Act [
> 
> ].”

, , , provided that:

### Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Repeal

, , , cited as a credit to this section, was repealed by , §§ 107, 108, , , 1432, eff. .

### Savings Provision

> “The enactment of this Act [see Short Title note under
> 
> , Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] does not reduce the rate of dependency and indemnity compensation under section 411 [now 1311] of title 38, United States Code, that any person was receiving on the day before the effective date of this Act [
> 
> ] or which thereafter becomes payable for that day by reason of a subsequent determination.”

, , , provided that:

### Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of , as modified, set out as a note under .

### Retroactive Benefits Prohibited

For provisions relating to prohibition of retroactive benefits by reason of amendments to this section by , see , set out as a note under .

### Payment for Implementation of Revisions

, , , provided that the costs of implementing, during fiscal years 1993 and 1994, any revisions in the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses under this section that result from the amendments made by section 102(a) and (b) of  to this section, were to be paid from amounts available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the payment of compensation and pension.