If you have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, you're entitled to additional compensation for your dependents. This includes your spouse, children under 18, children in school between 18-23, and even your dependent parents. Many veterans don't realize they can claim parents as dependents or that college-age children qualify for higher rates.
The 2026 VA disability rates include a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025. For a veteran at 100% disability with a spouse, one child, and one dependent parent, this adds up to $4,495.22 per month - that's $556.64 more than a veteran alone would receive.
Key Takeaway: A 100% disabled veteran with a spouse and two children (one under 18, one in college) receives $4,428.09/month. If that same veteran also has two dependent parents, their payment increases to $4,780.57/month - an extra $352.48/month or $4,229.76/year just for claiming parents as dependents.
In This Guide
- Who Qualifies for Dependent Compensation?
- Types of Dependents the VA Recognizes
- Complete 2026 VA Disability Rate Tables
- Claiming Dependent Parents (The Overlooked Benefit)
- Children in School (Ages 18-23)
- Aid and Attendance for Spouse
- How to Add Dependents to Your VA Benefits
- Real-World Payment Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for Dependent Compensation?
To receive additional VA disability compensation for dependents, you must meet one key requirement:
Eligibility Requirement: You must have a combined VA disability rating of 30% or higher to receive additional compensation for dependents.
If you have a 10% or 20% disability rating, you receive a flat monthly rate regardless of how many dependents you have:
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate | Dependent Compensation? |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $176.03 | No additional compensation |
| 20% | $347.97 | No additional compensation |
| 30%+ | $539.00+ | Yes - spouse, children, parents |
Types of Dependents the VA Recognizes
The VA recognizes five categories of dependents for disability compensation purposes:
VA Recognized Dependents
Your legally married spouse
+$219.59/mo at 100%
Biological, adopted, or stepchildren
+$109.11/mo each at 100%
Children attending school full-time
+$352.45/mo each at 100%
Parents financially dependent on you
+$176.24/mo each at 100%
*Rates shown are for 100% disability. Lower ratings receive proportionally less.
1. Spouse
Your legally married spouse qualifies as a dependent. This includes same-sex spouses following the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling. Common-law marriages are recognized if valid in the state where contracted.
2. Children Under 18
This includes:
- Biological children
- Legally adopted children
- Stepchildren who are members of your household
- Children for whom you have legal custody
3. Schoolchildren Ages 18-23
Children between 18 and 23 years old who are attending school full-time qualify for significantly higher rates than children under 18. The child must be:
- Enrolled full-time in an approved educational institution
- Claimed as a dependent for tax purposes
- Unmarried
Important: The VA automatically removes children from your benefits when they turn 18. You must proactively re-add them as schoolchildren and submit VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance) to continue receiving benefits.
4. Dependent Parents
This is the most overlooked dependent category. You can claim one or both parents if they are financially dependent on you. The definition of "parent" is broad and includes:
- Birth parents
- Adoptive parents
- Foster parents (if in a parental relationship for at least 1 year before you turned 21)
- Stepparents (if part of your household)
Complete 2026 VA Disability Rate Tables
The following tables show the official 2026 VA disability compensation rates with the 2.8% COLA increase, effective December 1, 2025.
Base Rates: Veteran Alone (No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $176.03 | $2,112.36 |
| 20% | $347.97 | $4,175.64 |
| 30% | $539.00 | $6,468.00 |
| 40% | $776.43 | $9,317.16 |
| 50% | $1,105.27 | $13,263.24 |
| 60% | $1,400.01 | $16,800.12 |
| 70% | $1,764.35 | $21,172.20 |
| 80% | $2,050.88 | $24,610.56 |
| 90% | $2,304.72 | $27,656.64 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
Rates With Spouse (No Children or Parents)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | Spouse Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $539.00 | $602.00 | +$63.00 |
| 40% | $776.43 | $861.00 | +$84.57 |
| 50% | $1,105.27 | $1,212.00 | +$106.73 |
| 60% | $1,400.01 | $1,528.00 | +$127.99 |
| 70% | $1,764.35 | $1,914.00 | +$149.65 |
| 80% | $2,050.88 | $2,222.00 | +$171.12 |
| 90% | $2,304.72 | $2,497.00 | +$192.28 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | +$219.59 |
Rates With Spouse and Children
| Rating | Spouse + 1 Child | Spouse + 2 Children | Spouse + 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $650.00 | $682.00 | $714.00 |
| 40% | $925.00 | $968.00 | $1,011.00 |
| 50% | $1,294.00 | $1,348.00 | $1,402.00 |
| 60% | $1,627.00 | $1,692.00 | $1,757.00 |
| 70% | $2,030.00 | $2,106.00 | $2,182.00 |
| 80% | $2,355.00 | $2,441.00 | $2,528.00 |
| 90% | $2,647.00 | $2,745.00 | $2,843.00 |
| 100% | $4,318.98 | $4,428.09 | $4,537.20 |
*Children under 18. Schoolchildren 18-23 add more (see schoolchild section below).
Rates With Dependent Parents (No Spouse or Children)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With 1 Parent | With 2 Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $539.00 | $586.00 | $633.00 |
| 40% | $776.43 | $840.00 | $904.00 |
| 50% | $1,105.27 | $1,186.00 | $1,267.00 |
| 60% | $1,400.01 | $1,498.00 | $1,596.00 |
| 70% | $1,764.35 | $1,879.00 | $1,994.00 |
| 80% | $2,050.88 | $2,183.00 | $2,315.00 |
| 90% | $2,304.72 | $2,454.00 | $2,603.00 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,114.82 | $4,291.06 |
Parent Benefit at 100%: Adding one dependent parent increases your monthly payment by $176.24. Adding two dependent parents adds $352.48 per month - that's $4,229.76 per year in additional tax-free income.
Complete Family Rates: Spouse + Children + Parents
For veterans with the most common family combinations at 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% disability:
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran & Child Only | $1,910.65 | $2,219.10 | $2,494.01 | $4,085.43 |
| Veteran, Spouse & Child | $2,073.98 | $2,405.61 | $2,703.70 | $4,318.98 |
| Veteran, Spouse, Child & 1 Parent | $2,197.26 | $2,545.75 | $2,861.75 | $4,495.22 |
| Veteran, Spouse, Child & 2 Parents | $2,320.54 | $2,685.89 | $3,019.81 | $4,671.46 |
| Veteran, Child & 1 Parent (no spouse) | $2,033.94 | $2,359.24 | $2,652.07 | $4,261.67 |
| Veteran, Child & 2 Parents (no spouse) | $2,157.22 | $2,499.39 | $2,810.12 | $4,437.91 |
Additional Amounts for Extra Children
The rates above include one child. For each additional child, add the following amounts:
| Child Type | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each additional child under 18 | $75.87 | $86.40 | $97.99 | $109.11 |
| Each schoolchild (18-23) | $246.57 | $281.34 | $317.16 | $352.45 |
| Child Type | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each additional child under 18 | $32.00 | $43.00 | $54.00 | $65.00 |
| Each schoolchild (18-23) | $105.00 | $140.00 | $176.00 | $211.00 |
Claiming Dependent Parents: The Overlooked Benefit
This is one of the most underutilized VA benefits. Many veterans don't realize they can claim their parents as dependents, adding $176-$352 per month in tax-free income at 100% disability.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Parent?
To claim a parent as a dependent, they must be financially dependent on you. The VA defines financial dependency based on income thresholds:
2026 Parent Income Limits
- Single parent living alone: Income below approximately $400/month ($4,800/year)
- Both parents living together: Combined income below approximately $660/month ($7,920/year)
- Parent remarried to non-veteran: Combined income below approximately $660/month
What Counts as Income for Parents?
All income received in the year prior to application must be reported:
- Social Security benefits
- Pension and retirement payments
- Dividends and interest
- Wages and earnings
- Financial contributions from other family members
Deductions That Can Help Parents Qualify
Here's the key: If your parent's income exceeds the threshold, unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted from their income. This is crucial for elderly parents with significant healthcare costs.
Deductible expenses include:
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Prescription medications
- Doctor visits and copays
- Medical equipment
- Long-term care costs
Additionally, these living expenses are considered when determining dependency:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Food and clothing
- Property taxes
- Utilities
Example: Your mother receives $1,200/month in Social Security ($14,400/year), which exceeds the income limit. However, she has $10,000/year in unreimbursed medical expenses. Her countable income is $14,400 - $10,000 = $4,400/year, which is below the $4,800 threshold. She qualifies as your dependent.
How to Add a Dependent Parent
To add a parent as a dependent, you'll need to:
- Submit VA Form 21P-509 (Statement of Dependency of Parent(s))
- Provide proof of the parent-child relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers)
- Submit financial documentation showing the parent's income and expenses
- Include evidence of your financial support to the parent
Children in School (Ages 18-23): Higher Rates
Children between 18 and 23 years old who attend school full-time qualify for significantly higher rates than children under 18. This is a major benefit that many veterans miss.
Schoolchild vs. Under-18 Child: Monthly Benefit Comparison
Child Under 18
$109.11
per month at 100%
Schoolchild 18-23
$352.45
per month at 100%
Schoolchildren receive 3.2x more than children under 18!
Requirements for Schoolchildren
- Age: Between 18 and 23 years old
- Enrollment: Attending school full-time
- Tax status: Must be your dependent for tax purposes
- Marital status: Must be unmarried
Qualifying Schools
The VA recognizes a broad range of educational institutions:
- Colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Trade schools and vocational programs
- Business schools
- Technical institutes
- High schools (for children who are 18 but still in high school)
Critical Action Required: The VA automatically removes children from your benefits when they turn 18. You must proactively:
1. Add them back as a schoolchild through VA.gov or eBenefits
2. Submit VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance)
Aid and Attendance for Spouse
If your spouse requires the regular assistance of another person for daily activities due to physical or mental disability, you may qualify for additional Aid and Attendance (A&A) compensation.
2026 Aid and Attendance Rates for Spouse
| Your Disability Rating | Additional Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| 30% | +$61.00 |
| 40% | +$81.00 |
| 50% | +$101.00 |
| 60% | +$121.00 |
| 70% | +$141.00 |
| 80% | +$161.00 |
| 90% | +$181.00 |
| 100% | +$201.41 |
Spouse Aid and Attendance Requirements
Your spouse may qualify if they:
- Require the aid of another person to perform daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Are bedridden or largely confined to their home
- Are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Have vision limited to 5/200 or less in both eyes
To apply, submit VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) along with medical documentation.
How to Add Dependents to Your VA Benefits
There are several ways to add or update dependents:
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
- Log in to VA.gov with your account
- Go to "Manage your VA benefits and health care"
- Select "Add or remove a dependent"
- Follow the prompts to add your dependent information
Option 2: By Mail
Submit VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Required Forms by Dependent Type
| Dependent Type | Required Form(s) |
|---|---|
| Spouse | VA Form 21-686c + marriage certificate |
| Child under 18 | VA Form 21-686c + birth certificate |
| Schoolchild 18-23 | VA Form 21-686c + VA Form 21-674 |
| Dependent Parent | VA Form 21P-509 + financial documentation |
| Spouse needing A&A | VA Form 21-2680 + medical records |
Real-World Payment Examples
Let's look at complete monthly compensation for common family situations:
Example 1: Single Veteran with 70% Rating, Two Children
| Base rate (Veteran + 1 child) | $1,910.65 |
| Additional child under 18 | +$75.87 |
| Total Monthly | $1,986.52 |
| Total Annual (Tax-Free) | $23,838.24 |
Example 2: Married Veteran with 80% Rating, Spouse, 2 Kids (1 in College)
| Base rate (Veteran + Spouse + 1 child) | $2,405.61 |
| Schoolchild 18-23 (additional) | +$281.34 |
| Total Monthly | $2,686.95 |
| Total Annual (Tax-Free) | $32,243.40 |
Example 3: 100% Disabled Veteran with Full Family + Parents
| Base rate (Veteran + Spouse + 1 child + 2 parents) | $4,671.46 |
| Additional child under 18 | +$109.11 |
| Schoolchild 18-23 (additional) | +$352.45 |
| Spouse receiving Aid & Attendance | +$201.41 |
| Total Monthly | $5,334.43 |
| Total Annual (Tax-Free) | $64,013.16 |
This veteran receives $64,013 per year in completely tax-free income from VA disability alone. Combined with military retirement pay, this creates a substantial financial foundation.
Calculate Your Total Military Retirement Income
See how your VA disability (with all dependents) combines with military retirement pay. Our calculator shows your total monthly income and the civilian salary you need.
Use the Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Can I claim my parents if they receive Social Security?
Yes, but their Social Security income counts toward the income limit. If their income exceeds the threshold, unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted. Many elderly parents with significant healthcare costs still qualify.
What if my child turns 18 during the school year?
The VA will automatically remove them as a dependent when they turn 18. You must proactively re-add them as a schoolchild and submit VA Form 21-674. Do this before their 18th birthday to avoid a gap in benefits.
Can I claim a stepparent as a dependent?
Yes, if the stepparent was a member of your household and financially dependent on you. The same income requirements apply as for biological parents.
Is there a limit to how many children I can claim?
No, there is no limit. Each additional child (under 18 or schoolchild 18-23) adds to your monthly compensation.
Can I claim both parents even if they're divorced?
Yes, you can claim up to two parents regardless of their marital status. Each parent must individually meet the financial dependency requirements.
How far back can I get paid for dependents I didn't claim?
When you add dependents, the VA may pay retroactively to the date they became your dependent or the date your rating increased to 30%, whichever is later. However, there are time limits, so add dependents as soon as possible.
Is VA disability compensation with dependents taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is 100% tax-free at both federal and state levels, regardless of how many dependents you claim. This makes it an extremely valuable source of income.
Key Takeaways
- You need 30%+ rating to receive additional compensation for dependents
- Don't overlook parents - they can add $176-$352/month at 100% disability
- Schoolchildren pay more - $352/month vs $109/month for children under 18
- Re-add children at 18 - the VA removes them automatically; submit Form 21-674
- Medical expenses help parents qualify - deduct unreimbursed healthcare costs
- All dependent compensation is tax-free - federal and state
Maximize Your Military Retirement Income
Your VA disability compensation with dependents is just one piece of your total retirement income. Combined with military retirement pay, you may be receiving more tax-free income than you realize.
Use our free calculator to see your complete picture - including retirement pay, VA disability with all your dependents, and state tax implications. It takes 2 minutes and could help you optimize your benefits.