Who qualifies: Veterans with a combined rating of 30% or higher who have a spouse, an unmarried child under 18 (or 18 to 23 and in school, or disabled before 18), or a dependent parent with low income.
What it is
Once your combined disability rating hits 30% or more, VA pays you a little more for each person who depends on you. The higher your rating, the bigger the bump. But VA won't add anyone on its own. You have to file a dependency claim, and you have to keep it up to date when life changes.
Who counts as a dependent
- A spouse. This includes same-sex spouses and, in some states, common-law spouses.
- Children. An unmarried biological child, adopted child, or stepchild who is under 18, or 18 to 23 and in school, or who became permanently disabled before age 18.
- Parents. A parent you support may count if their income and net worth are under VA's limits.
How much more you get
It depends on your rating. At 100%, adding a spouse raises your pay from $3,938.58 to $4,158.17 a month (rates effective Dec. 1, 2025). Each additional child under 18 adds $109.11 a month at 100%, or $32 at 30%. A child 18 to 23 who is in school adds even more, $352.45 a month at 100%. If your spouse needs help with daily tasks (aid and attendance), you can get an extra amount on top. Check VA's rate charts for your exact rating.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm you're at 30% or higher. Below that, adding dependents won't change your pay.
- Go to VA.gov and file the dependency claim online. That's the fastest way. You can also mail VA Form 21-686c to the Evidence Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin.
- Use the right form for older kids. For a child 18 to 23 in school, use VA Form 21-674. For a dependent parent, use VA Form 21P-509.
- Have key details ready. Social Security numbers, dates and places of marriage and birth, and info on any past marriages for you and your spouse.
- Send proof only if asked, or in special cases. You may need documents for adoption, a child with a disability, common-law or tribal marriages, or family living overseas.
- Watch for back pay. If approved, payments generally start within a couple of weeks, including any back pay.
Timing matters
If you were already rated 30% or higher when you got married or had a baby, file within one year. Then VA can pay you back to the date of the event. Wait longer, and back pay usually starts from the date VA gets your claim. That can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
If your rating goes up to 30% later, add your family as soon as your new rating comes through.
Keep it current
Life changes, and VA needs to know. Remove a dependent if you divorce, a spouse dies, or a child turns 18 and isn't in school, or finishes school. If you keep getting paid for someone who no longer counts, VA will create a debt. VA also asks you to confirm your dependents at least every eight years with VA Form 21-0538. If you don't, VA can drop them from your award.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming VA knows. Even if your spouse is in your health records, they aren't on your award until you file.
- Missing the one-year window. File right after the wedding or birth.
- Forgetting the school form at 18. Pay for a child stops at 18 unless you file Form 21-674.
- Not reporting a divorce. Overpayments add up fast.
Related benefits
See our guides on disability compensation, CHAMPVA for families, the Fry Scholarship and DEA, and DIC survivor benefits.
Last reviewed November 2026. WeSpeakVA is not the VA. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.