Are family members eligible for VA benefits?
If you are a Veteran who receives VA Disability Compensation with a rating of at least 30 percent, you may be entitled to additional monthly benefits if you have dependents. You may receive additional monthly allowances for your wife, minor children, children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of self-support because of a disability arising before age 18, and dependent parents.
Here is the compensation benefits rate table for 30% – 60% with children.
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $491.75 | $699.36 | $976.13 | $1,227.09 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $439.75 | $630.36 | $890.13 | $1,124.09 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $530.75 | $751.36 | $1,041.13 | $1,305.09 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $569.75 | $803.36 | $1,106.13 | $1,383.09 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $478.75 | $682.36 | $955.13 | $,1202.09 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $517.75 | $734.36 | $1,020.13 | $1,280.09 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $24.00 | $32.00 | $40.00 | $48.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (see footnote a) | $78.00 | $104.00 | $130.00 | $156.00 |
| Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote b) | $44.00 | $59.00 | $74.00 | $89.00 |
Click http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/resources_comp01.asp to learn more.
To ensure you are receiving the maximum benefits you are entitled to, you should tell the VA about your dependents as soon as possible. To let the VA know this, you should complete a VA Form 21-686c or log onto https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/. It is important to apply as soon as possible, as the VA will only adjust your rate of pay AFTER it is made aware of your dependents’ status. It is your responsibility to tell the VA that you have dependents. Even if you have told them about your dependents, it is always good policy to follow up with the VA. You should verify that the VA is paying you at the correct rate and including all of your dependents.
The VA cannot provide for additional dependency benefits if:
- The Veteran does not have at least 30 percent combined VA disability rating
- The child or stepchild is over the age of 23
You should also notify VA to remove a spouse due to death or divorce. Keep a copy of any documents you submit. For more information go to www.va.gov or http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/13707/new-technology-automates-veterans-requests-to-update-family-member-status/