Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
Who qualifies as a VA dependent?
If you’re a disabled veteran with a VA rating of 30% or higher, the answer to that question could mean more monthly tax-free compensation in your pocket (plus back pay).
And it’s not just your spouse or kids. In fact, you might be surprised who the VA considers a “dependent.”
Understanding who counts and how to properly add them to your VA disability is one of the easiest ways to maximize your compensation and benefits.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- A VA dependent is a spouse, child, or parent who relies on you financially. When officially added to your claim, they can increase your monthly, tax-free VA disability compensation.
- If you qualify for VA disability benefits and have a combined rating of 30% or higher, you may be eligible for extra VA disability compensation for a dependent.
- Keeping your VA records updated with changes like marriage, divorce, or a child aging out is essential to avoid overpayments or missed benefits.
Who Qualifies as a VA Dependent for Benefits?
A VA dependent is someone in your immediate family who relies on you financially. When the VA officially recognizes them, your monthly VA disability compensation could increase.
According to the VA, the following individuals may qualify as dependents:
A spouse: The VA recognizes same-sex and common-law marriages.
A parent: If you financially support a parent whose income and net worth are below a certain threshold.
An unmarried child: Including adopted children or stepchildren who meet at least one of the following:
- Under age 18
- Between the ages of 18–23 and enrolled in school full time
- Became permanently disabled before age 18
You can view or update dependents on your VA disability claim at VA.gov.
Another Reason Why Your VA Rating Matters
To qualify for additional disability compensation for dependents, both of these must be true:
- You’re eligible for VA disability compensation, and
- You have a combined VA disability rating of 30% or higher
How to Add Dependents to Your VA Disability
Ready to add or change your dependents?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the exact forms you need based on who you’re claiming and your current situation.
Spouse or Minor Child (Under 18)
- Form: VA Form 21-686c: Declaration of Status of Dependents
Child Aged 18-23 (In School)
- Form: VA Form 21-674: Request for Approval of School Attendance
Dependent Parent(s)
- Form: VA Form 21P-509: Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)
Status Change (Marriage, Divorce, Death, School)
- Form: VA Form 21-0538: Mandatory Verification of Dependents
Pro Tip: Submit your form online through VA.gov for the fastest processing time.
BONUS: Step-by-Step Tutorial on Adding a Dependent to VA Disability
How Much Extra Monthly Compensation Can You Get for Dependents?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating and how many dependents you have.
For example, if you’re rated at 30% and have a qualifying spouse and one child, you could earn an extra $111 monthly.
Pro Tip: Adding eligible dependents isn’t automatic; you must file the right forms to get the increase. But once approved, you may receive retroactive back pay to the date of your claim or qualifying life event.
Current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates
What If My Dependent Situation Changes?
Life happens. The VA needs to know.
Common changes that require an update to dependent status:
- You get married or divorced
- You have or adopt a child
- Your child turns 18 or finishes school
- You take financial responsibility for a parent
Failure to notify the VA can result in overpayments or lost back pay, so ensure you keep your dependent information updated.
What Being Service Connected Means for Your Dependents
Depending on your VA rating, your dependents are eligible for several benefits, including the following:
- Burial Allowance
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Flag and Headstone or Marker
See More: VA Benefits for Family and Caregivers
What Happens When a Veteran Passes Away?
Eligible dependents may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if a veteran passes from a service-connected condition.
While the veteran’s VA benefits cease, surviving spouses may be eligible for DIC, a monthly tax-free monetary benefit.
DIC is available to eligible individuals, including:
- Surviving spouses
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents
See More: Will My Spouse Receive My VA Disability When I Die?
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a dependent for VA disability?
A VA dependent is a spouse, child, or parent who relies on you financially. When officially recognized by the VA, they can unlock additional monthly, tax-free compensation on top of your existing disability benefits.
How does the VA verify dependents?
The VA uses VA Form 21-0538 (Mandatory Verification of Dependents) to verify or update your dependents.
How long do you need to be married to a veteran to qualify for spousal benefits?
For many VA spousal benefits, you’re eligible as soon as you’re legally married to a veteran with a service-connected disability.
However, for certain survivor benefits, like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the VA typically requires that you were married for at least one year, had a child together, or were married before the veteran died on active duty.
See More: How Long Do You Have to be Married to a Veteran to Get Benefits?
Can my parents qualify as VA dependents?
In some cases, yes. If your parents are financially dependent on you and they meet specific income requirements, they may qualify as dependents.
Do adopted children qualify as VA dependents?
Yes. Legally adopted children are treated the same as biological children when it comes to VA benefits.
As long as the adoption is finalized and legal documentation is provided, your adopted child may qualify as a dependent.
Can stepchildren be claimed as VA dependents?
Yes, stepchildren can qualify as VA dependents if they are part of your household and you are legally married to their biological or adoptive parent.
The VA recognizes stepchildren the same way as biological or adopted children, provided certain conditions are met.
See More: VA Benefits for Stepchildren
Want Expert-Level Support with Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
How does VA Claims Insider support veterans?
We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this journey.
You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has educated over 25,000 veterans to win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
Start today and unlock an exceptional level of service you deserve for serving our country:
- You’ll hear from a VA Claim Expert over email within 15 minutes of signing up today.
- You’ll hear from your Veteran Coach team within 24 hours of all inquiries during normal business days/hours.
Click the red button below to start the process of winning your VA claim right now!
About VA Claims Insider
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
