Which benefit does not require active duty service for eligibility?

Widow's and dependent benefits are designed to provide financial support to the families of veterans who have passed away or who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-related conditions. These benefits are available regardless of whether the dependent or widow was ever a service member themselves, meaning they do not require the individual to have served on active duty.

On the other hand, disability compensation typically requires that the veteran has served on active duty and has a service-related medical condition. Similarly, the GI Bill education benefits are explicitly designed for individuals who have served in the military, using their service to qualify for educational assistance. Veterinary healthcare benefits are also geared toward serving military animals and do not apply to the question's focus on eligibility related to human service members.

Thus, among the options provided, widow's and dependent benefits stand out as the only ones that do not depend on active duty service for the eligibility of the benefits themselves. This highlights the unique nature of these benefits, which cater to families rather than individuals with military service.