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Many people join the military for the benefits. While there is risk involved with serving, there is also incredible support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Spouses and minor children are eligible for many of the same benefits as the servicemember, but what about adult children?
The short answer is yes—grown children of veterans can qualify for certain VA benefits, but eligibility is limited and depends on factors like age, school enrollment, or disability status.
Most benefits end at age 18, though some extend to age 23 for students, and others—such as “helpless child” benefits or certain health and education programs—can continue into adulthood.
Keep reading to see the types of benefits available and the criteria that must be met to qualify.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Most benefits for dependents of veterans end at age 18; adult dependents may still be eligible for some benefits up to age 23.
- “Helpless child” VA benefits can extend into adulthood if a physical or mental disability was diagnosed in the dependent prior to their 18th birthday.
- A grown child of a veteran may be eligible for funeral and burial reimbursement, as well as educational benefits.
VA Benefits for Adult Children of Veterans
It’s not entirely shocking that there are limited VA benefits available for adult children of service members. And those benefits that do exist are generally only available until the age of 23. Still, there are a handful of important benefits that grown children may qualify for if they meet the right criteria. Below are the key programs to know about:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free payment for the survivors of a service member who died in the line of duty or who died from a service-connected illness or injury. This payment typically goes to the spouse, but an adult child may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- You aren’t married, and
- You aren’t included in the surviving spouse’s compensation, and
- You’re under the age of 18 (or under the age of 23 if attending school)
The evidence required when filing this claim must show that the servicemember died on active duty or active-duty training, died of a service-connected illness or injury, or, if the death was not from a service-connected cause, that it was totally disabling (meaning the veteran was unable to work) due to a service-connected illness or injury for a specific period before death (1, 5, or 10 years depending on the situation).
VA Disability Benefits
If you’re the child of a veteran and have been diagnosed with spina bifida (other than spina bifida occulta), you may be eligible for VA disability compensation, healthcare, and job training.
Your claim must show that:
- One or both of your biological parents served in Vietnam or Thailand between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between Sept. 1, 1967, and Aug. 31, 1971, and
- You were conceived after they first began serving in those areas during those time periods.
CHAMPVA
Adult dependent children of veterans who don’t qualify for TRICARE may qualify for health care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or CHAMPVA, if the veteran meets certain disability requirements.
The qualifications for CHAMPVA include being deemed a “helpless child” prior to age 18, meaning the adult dependent is unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical disability, or if you’re an unmarried 18–23-year-old and enrolled in school.
Burial Reimbursements
A grown child of a veteran who pays for the veteran’s funeral and burial expenses can receive reimbursement if certain eligibility requirements are met.
Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program is available to the child or spouse of a veteran or servicemember who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
If the grown child and the servicemember meet certain conditions, the dependent generally has up to eight years to use DEA benefits.
Other important details to note:
- You can be married or unmarried.
- If you join the military, you can’t use this benefit while you’re on active duty. And if you want to use this benefit after you leave the service, you can’t have a dishonorable discharge.
- If you’re receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you’ll need to give up those payments when you start to use DEA.
VA Benefits for Grown Children: Comparison Table
Conclusion
While there are many VA benefit options for veterans, spouses, and dependents, most of them end at age 23. That doesn’t mean there aren’t options for a grown child of a veteran to get VA benefits; however, the qualifications for eligibility are often very specific and time sensitive.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Can a grown child of a veteran get VA benefits?
Yes. While most VA benefits for dependents end when a child turns 18, there are specific situations where a grown child of a veteran can still qualify. Benefits may extend to age 23 if the child is enrolled in school, and “helpless child” benefits can continue into adulthood if a permanent disability was diagnosed before age 18. Certain programs, such as CHAMPVA health care, Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), and disability compensation for conditions like spina bifida, may also apply to grown children. In some cases, adult children can receive reimbursement for a veteran parent’s burial expenses if they paid the costs directly.
Can I get reimbursed for my veteran parent’s funeral expenses?
Yes. An adult child who personally pays for a veteran’s funeral and burial costs may be eligible for reimbursement from the VA. The amount depends on factors such as whether the veteran’s death was service-connected, whether the veteran was hospitalized by the VA at the time of death, and whether the veteran was receiving VA compensation or pension. The VA generally reimburses for burial and plot costs within set limits. You must provide proof of payment and apply through VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Benefits.
Can a veteran’s adult child get TRICARE?
In most cases, no. TRICARE coverage for children typically ends at age 21, or at age 23 if the child is a full-time student and unmarried. The only exception for adult children is if they are determined to be a “helpless child” by the VA or Department of Defense, meaning they are permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability established before age 18. Learn more at TRICARE Child Eligibility.Â
What is a VA helpless child benefit?
The “helpless child” benefit applies to a veteran’s child who is unmarried and was found permanently incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability that began before the child turned 18. If granted, the dependent may qualify for continued benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), and CHAMPVA health care.
Do stepchildren or adopted children qualify for VA benefits as adults?
Yes, in certain cases. The VA recognizes biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren as dependents if they were part of the veteran’s household before age 18. As adults, these children may qualify for extended benefits under the same rules as other dependents (such as eligibility up to age 23 if enrolled in school, or indefinitely if considered a helpless child). See more on VA dependent eligibility.
How do you apply for grown child VA benefits?
Applications for grown child VA benefits are made directly through the VA, usually online at VA.gov. The process depends on the type of benefit. For example:Â
Education benefits use VA Form 22-5490, Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits.Â
CHAMPVA requires VA Form 10-10d, Application for CHAMPVA Benefits.Â
Burial reimbursement uses VA Form 21P-530.Â
Supporting documentation—such as school enrollment verification, medical evidence of disability, or receipts for funeral costs—is typically required.Â
What is a military dependent?
A military dependent is a family member of a veteran or servicemember; the term most often refers to the spouse and children. As a dependent, they are eligible for certain benefits, including health care, insurance, education assistance, and more.Â
Can a grown disabled child of a veteran get benefits?
Yes, a child who is determined to be permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18 years old is eligible for VA benefits. The “helpless child” benefit includes increased monthly payments, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and other support.
Can an adult child of a veteran get a VA loan?
No, but it might be possible to get a joint loan with the veteran if you meet certain qualifications.Â
What family members are eligible for VA benefits?
While this can vary depending on the benefits, spouses, children, and survivors of service members and veterans are eligible for certain VA benefits.Â
Can a grown child of a deceased veteran get benefits?
Yes, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program are two benefits available for eligible grown children of deceased veterans.Â
Can grandchildren of veterans get benefits for college?
Yes! There are many nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships to children and grandchildren of veterans, including the American Legion and AMVETS. The only way a grandchild could get direct VA education benefits would be if they were adopted by the grandparent veteran.
Author – Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
