If you get VA disability benefits and your family changes, like getting married, having a child, or paying for a college student, you might be able to get more money each month. You need to tell the VA about it though in order to get it.
The process is a little easier to follow in 2025, but you still need to fill out paperwork and pay close attention to the little things. It’s important to make sure that your benefits fit your family situation, whether you’re adding a partner or taking out a child who is now living on their own.
First, make sure you know which form to use.
VA Form 21-686C, which is the official form to add or remove dependents, is the most usual way to report a change in dependents. When things get tough, you may also need:
- If your child is between the ages of 18 and 23 and still in school, fill out VA Form 21-674.
- VA Form 21P-527EZ—if you want to get pension benefits
These forms can be filled out at VA.gov or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
It’s a paper trail, but it’s worth it.
Get this information ready ahead of time to finish your application:
- Social Security numbers for you and everyone who depends on you
- Information about marriage (past and present)
- Dates of birth and Social Security numbers of children
- How to get to school if your child is 18 to 23 years old
- Information about your income for student kids or pension claims
- Proof if your marriage was based on native customs, common law, or happened outside of the U.S.
Yes, the VA also needs to know when you’re taking someone off of your benefits, like when you get divorced or your child gets married.
How to Send Everything
You can send the forms straight to the VA website once they are filled out. If you’re adding a dependent from a non-traditional marriage or from outside the U.S., for example, you’ll need to show extra proof, like affidavits, marriage licenses, or birth records.
Once everything is sent, you’ll get a proof. In case something goes wrong, keep a copy.
What Comes Next After You Apply?
The VA handles cases in the order they come in. They will call you if they need more information. You’ll get a letter in the mail once a choice is made.
If accepted, your payment will change to reflect the fact that you are now a dependent. Some of this could be back pay if your dependent was qualified before.
Need Help?
You don’ need to do this by yourself. Vet Service Organizations have trained staff who can help you through the process, and they usually do it for free. To begin, go to nvlsp.org or call the VA benefits office at 800-827-1000.
It might feel like a lot of work to keep your VA file up to date, but it’s important that you and your family get all the help you’ve earned.
