For VA purposes, a dependent is a family member who relies on the veteran financially and meets certain criteria. Examples of dependents for VA purposes are: A spouse. Unmarried children (this includes step children, adopted children, and biological children) who: Are under the age of 18; or.

Who qualifies as a dependent for VA disability?

For VA disability benefit purposes, a spouse, a child, or a parent in some circumstances can be considered a dependent. If you are qualified for VA disability pay with at least a 30% VA disability rating, it is possible to add dependents to your VA benefits at basically any time.

Can you claim a veteran as a dependent?

To qualify as a dependent parent of a veteran, the parent’s income, and net worth must be provided to the VA and show that it is not sufficient to meet basic needs. To claim a parent, the veteran must complete the VA Form 21-509 – Statement of Dependency of Parent(s).

Is a spouse a veteran dependent?

Spouses have up to 10 years from the date the VA determines that the spouse is eligible for VA Dependent Benefits. Children may use the benefit between the ages of 18 and 26. Detailed information about DEA can be found here.

What is considered a dependent of a veteran?

Some examples of a dependent for VA purposes include a veteran’s spouse, unmarried children, and a veteran’s parents who are financially dependent. For VA purposes, a dependent is defined as a family member who relies on the veteran financially and meets certain criteria.

What counts as a military dependent?

Military dependents are the spouse(s), children, and possibly other familial relationship categories of a sponsoring military member for purposes of pay as well as special benefits, privileges and rights. This generic category is enumerated in great detail for U.S. military members.

Can I add my mother as a military dependent?

But there may be some good news. In the military, parents, parents-in-law or someone who has acted as your parent (the term for this is “in loco parentis”) can be made your “secondary dependent,” as can disabled adult children and minor children of whom you have custody.

Can my mom be a military dependent?

For active duty and retiree families, it is possible to have your parent declared a secondary dependent, which grants them some of the privileges of being a military dependent. You’ll have to reaffirm your parent dependency every four years.

How do you qualify as a dependent in the military?

Who can qualify as a military dependent? Certain family members, such as a spouse or child under 21, are automatically entitled to dependency status; a Servicemember need only complete 1172 and provide the necessary proof.

What is considered a dependent for VA benefits?

“Dependent child”, in reference to a member or Veteran, means: his/her natural or adopted child; or. a child of his/her spouse or common-law partner, who is ordinarily residing in the member’s or Veteran’s household, at the time of the member’s or Veteran’s death; or. an unborn child who is subsequently born alive.

Are spouses covered under VA benefits?

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers. As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to access them.

Are spouses of veterans eligible for VA benefits?

Dependents and spouses of veterans are eligible when the veteran: Has a VA-rated service-connected medical condition making them permanently and totally disabled, or; died of a service-connected medical condition, or; died on active duty, and the dependents are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE benefits.

Do dependents of veterans get free college?

​The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board.

Do dependents of veterans get college benefits?

The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

What is a VA dependent parent?

The VA Dependent Parent Benefit is for partially-disabled veterans that receive disability compensation and have a parent that relies on them for financial assistance. This extra benefit, which is based on need, is paid directly to the Veteran and can be used as he or she sees fits.