Add dependents to your VA disability benefits 
Find out how to add a dependent spouse, child, and/or parent to your VA disability benefits for additional compensation. 

Am I eligible for additional VA disability compensation for my dependent(s)? 
You may be eligible for additional disability compensation for a spouse, child, and/or parent if you meet both of the requirements listed below. Both of these must be true. You: Are eligible for VA disability compensation , and Have a combined disability rating of at least 30 % Adding a dependent may make you eligible to receive a higher compensation payment also called a benefit rate. 

Who does VA consider a dependent? 
A dependent is : A spouse Note: we recognize same - sex and common - law marriages A parent , if you re directly caring for them and their income and net worth are below a certain amount who meets one of the eligibility requirements listed below An unmarried child including an adopted child or stepchild To be considered a dependent , one of these must be true of an unmarried child. They: Are under 18 years old , or Are between the ages of 18 and 23 years old and enrolled in school full time , or Became permanently disabled before they turned 18 

When should I add a dependent to my benefits? 
This depends on where you are in the process of filing for disability compensation. 

If you haven t yet filed a claim for disability compensation 
You can file a claim for additional compensation for a dependent at the same time as you file your original claim for disability compensation. If you receive a combined disability rating of at least 30% , we ll automatically consider your eligibility for additional compensation for your dependent. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation 

If you have one or more dependents, but you didn t claim them when you originally filed for disability compensation 
If you have a combined disability rating of at least 30% , you can file a claim for additional disabi

user: Cuándo debo agregar un dependiente a mis beneficios de VA?

assistant: This will depend on where you are in the disability compensation application process.

user: If I receive a combined disability rating of at least 30%, I will be eligible for additional compensation for my dependent.

assistant: if exceeding 30% we will automatically consider your eligibility for additional compensation for your dependent.

user: What are the requirements for refunds?

assistant: Had you already received a combined disability rating of at least 30% at the time of marriage, birth, or adoption?

user: no, I have not received a combined disability rating of at least 30% at the time of marriage, birth, or adoption

assistant: Based on your response, I inform you that we cannot reimburse you for the date of your marriage or the birth or adoption of your child.

user: Am I eligible for additional VA disability compensation for my dependents?

assistant: whether you may be eligible for additional disability compensation for a spouse, child and / or parent

user: how to add a dependent to your compensation if you can't or don't want to file an application online?

assistant: You can file a claim for additional disability compensation by mail or fax using the following forms