### Question
What does dependency and indemnity compensation mean?


### Answer
**Dependency and indemnity compensation** has the following meaning in *38 U.S.C. § 101*:

> a monthly payment made by the Secretary to a surviving spouse, child, or parent (A) because of a service-connected death occurring after December 31, 1956, or (B) pursuant to the election of a surviving spouse, child, or parent, in the case of such a death occurring before January 1, 1957

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 101*
  - Heading: **PART I-GENERAL PROVISIONS > CHAPTER 1-GENERAL**

