👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Members

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.