5 benefit areas · About 8 min to read

My spouse or parent is a veteran.

If your loved one served, you may be eligible for benefits too. Here's what's available for families.

Do This First: File an Intent to File

Takes 5 minutes, costs nothing, and locks in your effective date for back pay. Even if you're not ready to file a full claim yet. Learn how →

Dependent benefits (if the veteran is living)

If the veteran has a disability rating of 30% or higher, dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) receive additional monthly compensation added to the veteran's payment. The amount increases with the rating level and the number of dependents. Dependents must be added to the veteran's VA record using VA Form 21-686c to receive this benefit.

Dependent form guide

ChampVA healthcare (100% P&T only)

If the veteran is rated 100% Permanent & Total, dependents may qualify for ChampVA — a healthcare cost-sharing program. ChampVA covers most medical services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Apply using VA Form 10-10d. It's not TRICARE, but it's comprehensive and can save your family thousands.

ChampVA form guide

Education benefits for family

Chapter 35 DEA provides up to 36 months of education and training benefits (about $1,400/month) for dependents of veterans who are 100% P&T or who died in service. Apply using VA Form 22-5490. The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) can also be transferred to dependents in some cases. The Fry Scholarship covers education costs for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.

Chapter 35 at VA.gov

Survivor benefits (DIC)

If a veteran dies from a service-connected condition (or while rated 100% P&T for 10+ years), the surviving spouse may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — currently about $1,612/month tax-free. Additional amounts are available if the survivor has children or is housebound. DIC is separate from any life insurance. Apply using VA Form 21-534EZ.

DIC at VA.gov

Caregiver support

If you're caring for a veteran with serious service-connected injuries, the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) may provide you with a monthly stipend, healthcare coverage through ChampVA, mental health counseling, respite care (up to 30 days/year), and training. Apply using VA Form 10-10CG.

Caregiver program at VA.gov

🖨️ Print this checklist

All Families Welcome

VA family benefits apply equally to all legally married spouses, regardless of gender. The VA fully recognizes same-sex marriages following the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling. Your family is your family.

✓Same-sex spouses — full access to all spousal benefits including ChampVA, DIC, Chapter 35, and burial benefits
✓Adopted children — eligible for all dependent benefits on the same basis as biological children
✓Stepchildren — eligible for benefits if they are part of the veteran's household
✓Blended families — each eligible dependent can be added to the veteran's benefits

To add dependents to your VA benefits, file VA Form 21-686c. If you have questions about your specific family situation, a VSO can help for free (opens in new tab).