If you’re a Veteran currently receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation, you may be eligible to add a dependent to your VA disability claim. By adding a dependent to your disability award, your monthly benefit will increase to better manage the cost of living for you and your dependents.
Qualified Veterans are those who are already eligible for VA disability compensation and have a combined disability rating of at least 30 percent.
Who qualifies as a dependent for VA disability?
The VA defines a dependent as a family member, such as a spouse, child or parent, who relies on financial support from the Veteran.
Biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren can all qualify as dependents as long as they meet the following criteria:
- Unmarried and under the age of 18;
- Between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school full-time; or
- Disabled prior to age 18
The parent of a Veteran may also qualify as a dependent. In order to qualify, you must provide proof of your income and net worth to demonstrate that additional support from the Veteran is required to meet your basic needs.
How much will adding a dependent increase my VA disability?
When you add a dependent to your VA disability claim, you can expect your monthly compensation to increase in order to cover the expenses of financially supporting that dependent. The amount of that increase, however, is determined by your disability rating level as well as the type of dependent you’re adding to your claim.
You can calculate your compensation increase using this pay chart from the VA.
How do I add a dependent to my VA disability?
There are a few different forms you can file to add a dependent to your VA disability, so make sure you’re completing the correct one for your dependent prior to submitting the claim.
If you’re adding a spouse to your VA disability, you’ll need to file a Declaration of Status of Dependents (VA Form 21-686c). This form is also used to add a child/children under the age of 18 to your claim.
To add a child between the ages of 18 and 23 who is attending school full-time, you must file a Request for Approval of School Attendance (VA Form 21-674).
For eligible dependent parents, a Statement of Dependency of Parents (VA Form 21P-509) must be submitted to the VA.
When should I add a dependent to my VA disability?
The best time to add dependents to your disability award is when you first file for compensation with the VA. However, if you didn’t initially add dependents to your disability claim, you should do so as soon as you receive a 30% or higher VA disability rating. In some cases, the VA will only pay benefits back to the date you started your new dependency claim.
Other instances that could prompt you to file a new dependency claim include major life events such as marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, a child’s enrollment in full-time higher education, the disability of a child under the age of 18, etc.
How long does it take to add dependents to my VA disability?
AAFMAA recommends that Veterans with a VA disability rating of 30% or above file their dependency claim through the Veterans Administration's web portal. Filing online typically results in faster processing times — sometimes in as little as 48 hours — and allows VA payments to begin sooner. However, processing times can vary, so it's best to check the VA website for the most current estimates.
Common pitfalls to avoid when adding dependents to VA disability:
Adding dependents to your VA disability claim can be a great way to increase your benefits. However, some common mistakes could delay or reduce your payout. Here are the top four pitfalls to avoid:
- Delayed Reporting: The VA typically only backpays to the date of your claim, not the date of the life event (e.g., marriage or birth of a child). Always report life or situational changes as soon as possible to maximize your benefit payments.
- Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide all required documentation can lead to delays or denials. Always double-check that you have all necessary certificates, forms, and supporting documents before submitting your claim. This includes marriage certificates, birth certificates, and school enrollment verification for dependent children between 18 and 23.
- Failure to Report Changes: Not reporting changes in dependent status, such as a divorce or a child's marriage, can lead to overpayments that the VA will eventually recoup.
- Overlooking School Attendance Verification: For dependent children aged 18 to 23 who are in school full time, annual school attendance verification is essential. This oversight can result in the dependent being removed from the award.
Have questions about your VA Disability Claim?
If you need further clarification about adding a dependent to your VA disability, contact an AAFMAA Member Benefits representative by calling 800-522-5221, select option 2, then option 2 again; or email [email protected]. We're happy to answer any questions you may have to make filing your VA disability claim as simple as possible.
This article was originally published December 4, 2020.