Add/Remove Dependents
Add your spouse, kids, or parents to your benefits. Can increase your monthly payment.
21-686c
After Your Rating
What this form does
Add your spouse, kids, or parents to your benefits. Can increase your monthly payment.
Adds or removes dependents from your VA record to receive additional compensation at 30% rating or higher.
Official VA title: Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
VA revision August 18, 2025 · Links verified against VA.gov August 10, 2026
Use it when: Whenever you get married, have a child, adopt a child, or have a change in dependent status. Must be 30%+ rated to receive dependent pay.
Preparation route
How to use 21-686c
Every preparation step stays open so you can scan the whole job before starting.
Do now · 01
Before you start
- Estimated time
- 30-45 minutes
Use this form when: Whenever you get married, have a child, adopt a child, or have a change in dependent status. Must be 30%+ rated to receive dependent pay.
Gather · 02
Gather your documents
Required
- Marriage certificate — For adding a spouse.
- Birth certificate or adoption decree — For adding children.
Helpful when available
- School enrollment verification (VA Form 21-674) — Required for children aged 18-23 who are attending school full-time.
- Divorce decree — If removing a former spouse.
Waypoint · 03
Complete the form
- Dependent's name, date of birth, and SSN
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificate or adoption decree (for children)
- School enrollment verification (for children 18-23)
Waypoint · 04
Avoid common mistakes
- Not adding dependents — this is free money if you're rated 30%+
- Forgetting to remove ex-spouse after divorce
- Not re-certifying school enrollment for children 18-23
- Waiting months after a life event to file
Go next · 05
Submit the form
Available methods
- Online
- Mail to
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- Submission note
- VA may use the life-event date when the Veteran was already rated at least 30%, VA receives the dependency claim within 1 year, and requested evidence is supplied on time. Otherwise, different effective-date rules may apply.
Field note
File this immediately after marriage, birth, or adoption. Dependent pay can add hundreds of dollars per month to your compensation.
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