2027 rates are out. The 3.6% COLA raises every VA disability rate, the amounts for a spouse, children and parents included. The new rates start December 1, 2026 and first show up in the December 31 payment. This guide covers who counts as a dependent and the 2026 tables. See the 2027 rates with dependents →
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 $4,495.23 per month, $556.65 more than a veteran alone would receive.
The short version. A 100% disabled veteran with a spouse and two children under 18 gets $4,428.10 a month. If that veteran also has two dependent parents, it goes to $4,780.58 a month. That's $352.48 more a month, or $4,229.76 a year, just for claiming the parents.
In This Guide
- Who Qualifies for Dependent Compensation?
- Types of Dependents the VA Recognizes
- Complete 2026 VA Disability Rate Tables
- Claiming Dependent Parents, the Benefit Most People Miss
- Children in School (Ages 18-23) Get Higher Rates
- 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?
There's one requirement before VA pays anything extra for dependents.
The rule. You need a combined VA disability rating of 30% or higher to receive additional compensation for dependents.
At 10% or 20%, you get a flat monthly rate no matter how many dependents you have.
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate | Dependent Compensation? |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | No additional compensation |
| 20% | $356.66 | No additional compensation |
| 30%+ | $552.47+ | Yes (spouse, children, parents) |
Types of Dependents the VA Recognizes
The VA pays for four kinds of dependents.
VA Recognized Dependents
Your legally married spouse
+$219.59/mo at 100%
Biological, adopted, or stepchildren
+$109.11/mo each additional child at 100%
Children 18 to 22 who are in school
+$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 get a proportional share.
1. Spouse
Your legally married spouse qualifies. VA recognizes same-sex marriages, and a common-law marriage counts if it was valid where you lived (38 CFR 3.1(j)). For a common-law marriage VA also asks for Forms 21-4170 and 21P-4171.
2. Children Under 18
An unmarried child counts if they're one of these (38 CFR 3.57).
- Your biological child, whether or not you were married to the other parent
- A child you legally adopted before 18
- A stepchild who became your stepchild before 18 and lives in your household
- A child of any age who became permanently unable to support themselves before 18 (VA calls this a helpless child)
Legal custody or guardianship alone doesn't make a child yours for VA compensation. A grandchild you're raising only counts if you've adopted them.
3. Schoolchildren Ages 18-23
A child from 18 until their 23rd birthday who's in school pays a lot more than a child under 18. The child has to be
- Taking courses at a school VA approves
- Unmarried
Watch the 18th birthday. 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 depend on you financially. VA's definition of a parent is broad.
- Birth parents
- Adoptive parents
- A foster parent, stepparent or anyone else who stood in the place of a parent for at least a year before you entered service, in a relationship that began before you turned 21
VA counts only one father and one mother. If two people filled the same role, it counts the one who did last before you entered service (38 CFR 3.59).
Complete 2026 VA Disability Rate Tables
These are the VA's official 2026 compensation rates, with the 2.8% COLA, effective December 1, 2025, to the cent (VA).
Base Rates for a Veteran Alone (No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
Rates With Spouse (No Children or Parents)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | Spouse Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | +$65 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | +$87 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | +$109 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | +$131 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | +$153 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | +$175 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | +$197 |
| 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% | $666.47 | $698.47 | $730.47 |
| 40% | $947.84 | $990.84 | $1,033.84 |
| 50% | $1,322.90 | $1,376.90 | $1,430.90 |
| 60% | $1,663.02 | $1,728.02 | $1,793.02 |
| 70% | $2,074.45 | $2,150.45 | $2,226.45 |
| 80% | $2,406.15 | $2,493.15 | $2,580.15 |
| 90% | $2,704.30 | $2,802.30 | $2,900.30 |
| 100% | $4,318.99 | $4,428.10 | $4,537.21 |
*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% | $552.47 | $604.47 | $656.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $865.84 | $935.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,220.90 | $1,308.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,540.02 | $1,645.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,931.45 | $2,054.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,242.15 | $2,382.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,520.30 | $2,678.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,114.82 | $4,291.06 |
What parents add at 100%. One dependent parent raises your monthly payment by $176.24. Two add $352.48 a month, which is $4,229.76 a year more, tax-free.
Complete Family Rates With Spouse, Children and Parents
Here are the most common family combinations at 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%.
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran and one child | $1,910.45 | $2,219.15 | $2,494.30 | $4,085.43 |
| Veteran, spouse and one child | $2,074.45 | $2,406.15 | $2,704.30 | $4,318.99 |
| Veteran, spouse, one child and one parent | $2,197.45 | $2,546.15 | $2,862.30 | $4,495.23 |
| Veteran, spouse, one child and two parents | $2,320.45 | $2,686.15 | $3,020.30 | $4,671.47 |
| Veteran, one child and one parent (no spouse) | $2,033.45 | $2,359.15 | $2,652.30 | $4,261.67 |
| Veteran, one child and two parents (no spouse) | $2,156.45 | $2,499.15 | $2,810.30 | $4,437.91 |
Additional Amounts for Extra Children
The rates above include one child under 18. For each additional child, add the amounts below. A child in school is never priced in the "with 1 child" rows, even an only child. Start from the row with no child and add the schoolchild amount. At 70% with a spouse and one child in school, that's $1,961.45 plus $246, or $2,207.45 a month.
| Child Type | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each additional child under 18 | $76.00 | $87.00 | $98.00 | $109.11 |
| Each schoolchild (18-23) | $246.00 | $281.00 | $317.00 | $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 Benefit Most People Miss
This is one of the most overlooked VA benefits. Many veterans don't realize they can claim their parents as dependents, adding $176 to $352 a 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. VA starts with the parent's monthly income.
When VA Holds a Parent Dependent (38 CFR 3.250)
- A parent not living with the other parent. Monthly income of $400 or less
- Two parents, or a remarried parent and spouse, living together. Combined monthly income of $660 or less
- Each other family member the parent supports. Add $185 a month
These amounts are written into the regulation and don't change each year. At or under them, VA treats the parent as dependent. Above them, it isn't an automatic no. VA decides on the facts.
What Counts as Income for Parents?
VA counts the parent's income from every source, including these.
- Social Security benefits
- Pension and retirement payments
- Dividends and interest
- Wages and earnings
- Financial contributions from other family members
VA's test is monthly income. On Form 21P-509 you report each parent's income and expenses for the latest calendar month and for the past 12 months, plus their net worth.
Above the Threshold, VA Looks at the Whole Picture
If your parent's income is over those amounts, VA doesn't subtract medical bills to bring it back under the line. It asks whether the parent's income covers reasonable maintenance, which the regulation defines as housing, food, clothing and medical care, plus the everyday comforts that fit the parent's way of life. High healthcare costs count in that judgment, which matters for elderly parents. VA won't find dependency, though, if it's reasonable for the parent to spend part of their savings on their own upkeep.
VA weighs medical costs like these.
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Prescription medications
- Doctor visits and copays
- Medical equipment
- Long-term care costs
It weighs these living expenses too.
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Food and clothing
- Property taxes
- Utilities
An example. Your mother receives $1,200 a month in Social Security, over the $400 line, so there's no automatic answer. If her rent, food and $10,000 a year of unreimbursed medical bills leave her short each month, and she has no savings it would be reasonable to draw on, VA can find her dependent. Send VA the full picture of her income, costs and savings.
How to Add a Dependent Parent
To add a parent, you'll need to do four things.
- 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) Get Higher Rates
A child from 18 until their 23rd birthday who's in school pays more than three times what an extra child under 18 does, and a lot of veterans never claim it.
Schoolchild vs. Under-18 Child, Monthly Payment
Child Under 18
$109.11
per month at 100%
Schoolchild 18-23
$352.45
per month at 100%
A schoolchild pays about 3.2 times what an extra child under 18 does.
Requirements for Schoolchildren
- Age. 18 until the 23rd birthday
- School. Taking courses at a school VA approves. VA's own pages disagree on whether that has to be full-time, so ask VA if your child is part-time
- Marriage. Unmarried
Qualifying Schools
The VA approves a broad range of schools.
- Colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Trade schools and vocational programs
- Business schools
- Technical institutes
- Home schools that follow state law
- High schools (for children who are 18 but still in high school)
Do this before 18. The VA automatically removes children from your benefits when they turn 18. To keep the payment going, add the child back as a schoolchild on VA.gov and send 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 in any of these cases.
- They're a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity
- Their corrected vision is 5/200 or worse in both eyes, or their visual field is 5 degrees or less
- They need another person's regular help with daily living, like bathing, dressing or eating, or to stay safe from everyday hazards. Being bedridden counts here
Those are the tests in 38 CFR 3.351(c). Being housebound isn't one of them. To apply, send VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) with medical records, or VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information) if your spouse is in a nursing home.
How to Add Dependents to Your VA Benefits
You can add or update dependents online or by mail.
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
By Mail
Submit VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents) to this address.
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 Aid and Attendance | VA Form 21-2680 + medical records, or 21-0779 for a nursing home |
Real-World Payment Examples
Here's the full monthly payment for three common families.
Example 1. Single Veteran at 70% With Two Children
| Base rate (veteran and one child) | $1,910.45 |
| Additional child under 18 | +$76.00 |
| Total monthly | $1,986.45 |
| Total a year (tax-free) | $23,837.40 |
Example 2. Married Veteran at 80% With Two Kids, One in College
| Base rate (veteran, spouse and one child) | $2,406.15 |
| Schoolchild 18-23 (additional) | +$281.00 |
| Total monthly | $2,687.15 |
| Total a year (tax-free) | $32,245.80 |
Example 3. 100% Disabled Veteran With a Full Family and Both Parents
| Base rate (veteran, spouse, one child and two parents) | $4,671.47 |
| Additional child under 18 | +$109.11 |
| Schoolchild 18-23 (additional) | +$352.45 |
| Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance | +$201.41 |
| Total monthly | $5,334.44 |
| Total a year (tax-free) | $64,013.28 |
That's $64,013 a year, tax-free, from VA disability alone, before any military retirement pay.
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 counts as income. If it puts them over $400 a month (or $660 for two parents living together), VA decides on the facts, weighing their income against their living and medical costs. Parents with high healthcare costs and little savings can still qualify.
What if my child turns 18 during the school year?
VA stops paying for them at 18 unless you tell it they're in school. Send VA Form 21-674 before the 18th birthday and VA keeps paying without a gap. If you're late, VA still pays back to the birthday as long as the child was already in school then and you file within a year of it (38 CFR 3.667).
Can I claim a stepparent as a dependent?
Yes, if they stood in the relationship of a parent to you for at least a year before you entered service, and that relationship began before you turned 21 (38 CFR 3.59). VA recognizes only one father and one mother. The same dependency rules apply as for birth 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?
It depends on how fast you tell VA. If VA gets the evidence within a year of the marriage, birth or adoption, it pays back to that date. If your rating reached 30% after the dependent was already in your family, VA pays from the rating's effective date as long as you send the evidence within a year of the rating decision. Miss those windows and VA pays from about the date it gets your claim (38 CFR 3.401(b)). So add dependents as soon as you can.
Is VA disability compensation with dependents taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free, federal and state, however many dependents you claim.
Key Takeaways
- You need 30%+ rating to receive additional compensation for dependents
- Don't overlook parents. They can add $176 to $352 a month at 100% disability
- Schoolchildren pay more. $352 a month against $109 for an additional child under 18 at 100%
- Re-add children at 18. The VA removes them automatically, so submit Form 21-674
- Medical costs can help a parent qualify. Above the income amounts VA weighs them case by case
- All dependent compensation is tax-free, federal and state
Maximize Your Military Retirement Income
Your VA pay with dependents is one piece of your retirement income. Next to your retired pay, it may be more tax-free money than you'd guessed.
Use our free calculator to see your complete picture, including retirement pay, VA disability with all your dependents, and state tax. It takes about two minutes.
