My spouse or parent is a veteran.
Eligible spouses, children, dependents, survivors, and caregivers may qualify for different VA programs. Each program has its own rules.
Your route
Follow these waypoints in order.
Do now · 01
Dependent benefits (if the veteran is living)
A veteran with a disability rating of 30% or higher may receive additional compensation for an eligible spouse, child, or dependent parent after VA adds that person to the award. The amount depends on the rating and family situation. Use VA Form 21-686c or VA.gov to add or update dependents.
Waypoint · 02
Check CHAMPVA eligibility
A spouse or dependent child of a veteran whom VA has rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability may qualify for CHAMPVA if they aren't eligible for TRICARE. CHAMPVA shares the cost of certain healthcare services and supplies; exclusions, Medicare, and other-insurance rules may affect coverage. Apply using VA Form 10-10d.
Waypoint · 03
Education benefits for family
An eligible spouse or child may receive Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) for approved school or job training when the veteran or service member meets a qualifying condition. Eligibility periods, months of entitlement, and payment rates depend on the person's dates and training. Apply using VA Form 22-5490 and check current rates on VA.gov. Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and the Fry Scholarship are separate programs with their own rules.
Waypoint · 04
Survivor benefits (DIC)
An eligible survivor may qualify for tax-free Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) when a service member died in the line of duty, a veteran died from a service-connected illness or injury, or a veteran was entitled to compensation for a totally disabling service-connected disability for a qualifying period. Survivor relationship and other rules also apply. The correct application depends on whether the claimant is a spouse, child, or parent.
Go next · 05
Caregiver support
If VA approves the veteran and caregiver for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), support may include training, counseling, respite care, and a stipend for an approved primary family caregiver. A primary family caregiver who has no other health insurance may also qualify for CHAMPVA. Apply using VA Form 10-10CG.
All families belong in this guide
VA family benefits can include legally recognized spouses, biological or adopted children, stepchildren, dependent parents, and caregivers. The exact path depends on the benefit and the veteran's record.
- Same-sex spouses follow the same spousal-benefit rules.
- Adopted children can qualify as dependents.
- Stepchildren may qualify when VA dependency rules are met.
- Each eligible member of a blended family can be considered.
To update dependents, open the VA Form 21-686c guide. For a situation that does not fit neatly, a VA-accredited VSO representative (opens in a new tab) can help free of charge.
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