Managing your VA benefits goes beyond just your own compensation. If you have dependents, adding them to your VA benefits can increase your monthly payments.
Whether you are recently married, have children, or care for a dependent parent, ensuring your benefits reflect your current family situation is essential.
The process of adding, updating, or removing a dependent can seem complicated, but learning about the steps will make it easier.
The VA offers multiple ways to update your records, but missing details or delays can cause issues. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent for VA Benefits?
Not everyone in your household qualifies as a dependent under VA guidelines. You should check the eligibility factors to know who you can add to your benefits.
A dependent can be a spouse, biological or adopted children, or parents who rely on you financially. Children must generally be under 18, but full-time students can qualify up to age 23.
If your child has a permanent disability before turning 18, they may also qualify as a dependent for life.
Stepchildren and adopted children are eligible, provided they live in your household and rely on you for financial support.
Parents can be added as dependents if they have limited income and depend on you financially. However, siblings and extended family members typically do not qualify.
How Adding Dependents Affects Your VA Benefits
Adding dependents to your VA benefits can increase your compensation, but the amount varies based on your disability rating. Here’s what you need to know.
- For veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher, the VA provides additional compensation for eligible dependents.
The exact increase depends on your rating and the number of dependents. A veteran with a spouse and children may receive more than a veteran with just a spouse.
- If you add a dependent after your original VA claim was approved, you may be eligible for retroactive payments.
These back payments can go as far back as the date of eligibility, as long as you file within one year of the qualifying event, such as marriage or birth.
Failing to update your dependent status when changes occur can lead to overpayments. If a dependent is no longer eligible, you must notify the VA to avoid having to repay benefits. Keeping your information updated will let you receive the correct compensation.
How to Add Dependents to Your VA Benefits (Step-by-Step Guide)
Adding dependents to your VA benefits is a straightforward process, but missing steps can cause delays. Whether applying online or by mail, following the correct procedure ensures a smooth update.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting, collect necessary documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of financial dependency for parents. Having everything ready speeds up the process.
Step 2: Apply Online Through VA.gov
Log in to your VA.gov account and navigate to the “Add a Dependent” section. Fill in the required information and upload supporting documents if needed. Submitting online is the fastest method.
Step 3: Apply by Mail or In Person
If you prefer, you can submit VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents) by mail or in person at a VA regional office. This method takes longer than online submission. Additionally:
- If the child you are adding as your dependent is between 18 and 23 and has a full-time school program, you need to submit the VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance).
- If you are adding dependent parent(s), you must submit the VA Form 21P-509 (Statement of Dependency of Parents).
If you are mailing in real life, you can send it to the following address-
Step 4: Track Your Claim Status
Once submitted, you can check the status of your request on VA.gov or by calling the VA. Processing times vary, but online submissions are generally quicker.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation and Adjusted Benefits
Once approved, your updated benefits will reflect the additional compensation. If eligible, you may receive retroactive payments dating back to when the dependent became eligible.
How to Remove or Update a Dependent’s Status
Life changes (divorce, a child aging out of eligibility, or a dependent parent’s income increasing) may require you to update or remove a dependent from your VA benefits. Prompt updates prevent overpayments.
Step 1: Log in to VA.gov
Go to the “Update Dependents” section and select the dependent whose status needs updating. Provide the necessary details, such as the date of change.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
For events like divorce or a child reaching adulthood, you may need to provide legal documents, such as a divorce decree or proof of the child’s status change.
Step 3: Mail VA Form 21-686c if Needed
If the update cannot be completed online, submit VA Form 21-686c by mail or in person at a VA regional office. This method takes longer but ensures the update is processed.
Step 4: Verify the Change
Check the status of your update online or by calling the VA. Once processed, your benefits will reflect the updated information.
Any form of overpayment may result in having to repay them later. Hence, keeping your records current is crucial.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Delays
Delays in VA dependency claims are common but often preventable. Knowing potential pitfalls helps ensure a smooth process and faster approval of your updated benefits.
- One major issue is missing or incorrect documentation. Ensure all forms are complete and accurate, and submit required documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates. Double-check details before submission.
- Processing times also slow down when claims are mailed instead of submitted online. The VA.gov portal is the fastest way to update dependents, reducing wait times significantly.
- Another common problem is failing to update dependents after a major life event, such as a divorce. If overpayments occur, you may owe the VA money. Prompt updates prevent financial headaches.
- Lastly, not tracking your claim status can lead to unnecessary delays. Log in to VA.gov or call the VA periodically to check progress and respond to any additional requests.
Conclusion
Keeping your VA dependency claim up to date is essential for receiving the correct benefits. Whether adding, removing, or updating a dependent’s status, following the correct steps will minimize delays and prevent payment issues.
Using the VA.gov portal ensures faster processing, while accurate documentation helps avoid unnecessary rejections. Regularly checking your claim status is also necessary.