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Survivor & Pension Benefits for Families in Japan

Families living in Japan after the loss of a veteran face unique challenges when navigating U.S. benefits systems. Whether you are pursuing Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, or Social Security survivor benefits, understanding how these programs work from overseas is critical. We help surviving spouses and dependents in Japan secure the benefits they are entitled to—without unnecessary delays or confusion.

DIC for Japan-Based Families

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, dependent children, and, in limited cases, parents of veterans.
  • You may qualify for DIC if:
  • The veteran died from a service-connected condition
  • The veteran was rated 100% disabled (or TDIU) for a qualifying period before death
  • The veteran passed away while on active duty or qualifying training
Living in Japan does not affect eligibility for DIC. However, Japan-based families often encounter challenges such as:
  • Obtaining foreign death certificates and medical records
  • Translating Japanese medical documentation
  • Communicating with the VA from a different time zone
  • Delays in VA correspondence and evidence review
We help ensure claims submitted from Japan are complete, properly supported, and clearly documented.

Survivors Pension

Survivors Pension is a needs-based VA benefit for low-income surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans.

  • Eligibility generally depends on:
  • The veteran’s wartime service
  • The survivor’s income and net worth
  • Marital and dependency status

For families in Japan, Survivors Pension claims can be complicated by:

  • Currency conversion and income reporting
  • Foreign financial accounts
  • Housing and cost-of-living differences
  • Documentation requirements for overseas dependents
Proper calculation and documentation are essential, as errors often lead to delays or denials.

Social Security Survivor Benefits and SSI Basics

Some surviving family members may also qualify for Social Security survivor benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  • Key points for families in Japan:
  • SSA survivor benefits may be payable overseas, depending on citizenship and country rules
  • SSI generally cannot be paid outside the United States
  • DIC does not reduce SSA survivor benefits
  • Survivors Pension may be affected by SSA income
Understanding how VA and SSA benefits interact is critical to long-term financial stability for surviving families abroad.

Working With Our Firm From Japan

We regularly assist surviving spouses and families living in Okinawa and across Japan. Representation can be handled entirely remotely, allowing us to:

Review eligibility and benefit options

Assist with evidence gathering and translations

Prepare and submit claims and appeals

Communicate with VA and SSA on your behalf

Monitor deadlines and respond to VA requests

Our experience with overseas claims allows us to anticipate and resolve issues before they cause unnecessary delays.

FAQs

We are very happy to recieve any query from you

Learn how to file a VA claim from Japan in 2025, including submitting documents via APO/FPO, translation tips, and reexamination procedures.
Learn More
Learn the 2025 VA 5-year rule, how it protects your disability rating from reduction, and what SOFA veterans in Japan should know about C&P reexams.
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Testimonials

We are very happy for our
client’s feedback

“I spent 14 years at 50% after retirement. James Smith identified issues in my claim and got to work. I had a step-by-step strategy, organized the evidence, coordinated supporting statements, and prepared me for the VA exams. My claim was fully developed and approved at 100% P&T—the process was efficient and transparent. Truly grateful!”

Jim Friedhoff

Okinawa, Japan

“As a surviving spouse living overseas, I found the DIC process daunting. James Smith conducted a review, established a precise checklist, assembled a complete, fully developed claim, and submitted it. Approval arrived within a week. I had complete confidence in Pacific Valor Law’s counsel throughout.”

Jim Wentling

virginia

I would like to thank the whole team that was responsible for completing a successful claim on my behalf. My family and I are forever grateful for your service on my claim. I pray that other veterans who need wise counsel and advocacy will contact you. May God bless each and everyone of you.

Thomas Sedgwick

Okinawa, Japan

Pacific Valor Law

Based in Okinawa, Japan — Serving U.S. veterans and military families worldwide

VA-accredited attorney | Licensed in New Jersey

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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