5 Ways To Fill Out Form 21-0845

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Filling out Form 21-0845, also known as the "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Death Pension, and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child," can be a daunting task for many individuals. This form is used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine the eligibility of a surviving spouse or child for various benefits. In this article, we will break down the process of filling out Form 21-0845 into manageable steps, making it easier for you to navigate the application process.

Understanding the Purpose of Form 21-0845

Form 21-0845 is used to apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Death Pension, and Accrued Benefits. DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected injury or illness. Death Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans. Accrued Benefits are unpaid benefits that the veteran was entitled to at the time of their death.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for these benefits, the surviving spouse or child must meet certain requirements. For DIC, the veteran must have died as a result of a service-connected injury or illness. For Death Pension, the veteran must have served during a period of war and the surviving spouse or child must meet certain income and net worth requirements. For Accrued Benefits, the veteran must have had a pending claim for benefits at the time of their death.

Step 1: Gathering Required Documents

Before starting the application process, it's essential to gather all required documents. These may include:

• The veteran's DD Form 214 (discharge paperwork)
• The veteran's death certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate (if applicable)
• Social Security numbers for the veteran and the surviving spouse or child
• Income and net worth information (if applying for Death Pension)

Tips for Gathering Documents

• Make sure to obtain certified copies of all documents, as the VA will not accept photocopies.
• If you're having trouble obtaining a document, contact the relevant agency or organization for assistance.
• Keep all documents organized and in a safe place, as you'll need to submit them with your application.

Step 2: Filling Out Section I - Claimant Information

Section I of Form 21-0845 requires you to provide information about yourself, including your name, address, Social Security number, and relationship to the veteran. Make sure to fill out this section accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions may delay the processing of your application.

Tips for Filling Out Section I

• Use your full name, as it appears on your Social Security card.
• Make sure to include your complete address, including your street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
• Double-check your Social Security number to ensure it's accurate.

Step 3: Filling Out Section II - Veteran Information

Section II of Form 21-0845 requires you to provide information about the veteran, including their name, Social Security number, and military service information. Make sure to fill out this section accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions may delay the processing of your application.

Tips for Filling Out Section II

• Use the veteran's full name, as it appears on their Social Security card.
• Make sure to include the veteran's complete military service information, including their branch of service, dates of service, and military occupation.

Step 4: Filling Out Section III - Benefit Information

Section III of Form 21-0845 requires you to provide information about the benefits you're applying for, including DIC, Death Pension, and Accrued Benefits. Make sure to fill out this section accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions may delay the processing of your application.

Tips for Filling Out Section III

• Make sure to check the correct boxes indicating the benefits you're applying for.
• If you're applying for DIC, make sure to provide information about the veteran's service-connected injury or illness.
• If you're applying for Death Pension, make sure to provide information about your income and net worth.

Step 5: Submitting Your Application

Once you've completed Form 21-0845, make sure to submit it to the VA along with all required documents. You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

Tips for Submitting Your Application

• Make sure to keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents for your records.
• If you're submitting your application online, make sure to receive a confirmation email from the VA.
• If you're submitting your application by mail, make sure to use a trackable shipping method, such as certified mail.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your Form 21-0845 is complete and accurate, which will help to expedite the processing of your application.