Understanding VA Benefits for Dependents of Veterans

In This Edition

• An Attorney’s Guide to DIC Benefits

• H&P Disability Law Trivia

• What benefits do my dependents receive?

• How to Get VA Caregiver & Family Program Approval?

• How did CPO Sharkey Outsmart the VA?

• Check us out on YouTube and Spotify!

This week, we're explaining all the details about dependent benefits.

Have a spouse, parent or child to consider? Let’s get you in the know.

An Attorney’s Guide to DIC Benefits

Explore the key aspects of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits for veterans' families in our concise video guide. 

From eligibility criteria to application tips and real-case examples, we provide valuable insights to help secure the financial support survivors deserve. 

Why it Matters: Understand eligibility, how to apply and learn tips to be successful from our team.

H&P Disability Law Trivia

Great job on our first quiz question last week! Here’s a recap:

Let’s test your knowledge on VA disability benefits again this week, with a harder question about the VA healthcare system. We’ll talk more about the correct answer next week!

What benefits do my dependents receive?

Read the full article here.

A dependent is generally a family member who is married or financially relies on an active duty service member or veteran. 

This includes spouses, unmarried children under 18 (or up to 23 if enrolled in school), and parents under the veteran’s care who meet specific financial criteria. 

The veteran must have a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more or must have retired from active duty.

Adding Dependents to VA Benefits

To include eligible dependents in your VA benefits, different forms are required based on the type of dependent:

• Spouses and children under 18 use VA Form 21-686c.

• School-enrolled children between 18-23 use VA Form 21-674.

• Parents require VA Form 21P-509.

• Changes in dependent status necessitate the completion of VA Form 21-0538.

Available Monthly Benefits

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more may receive increased compensation, with special benefits for spouses of veterans 100% disabled. 

Upon a veteran's death, surviving family members may be eligible for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC), along with education and medical benefits.

Education and Medical Benefits

The VA provides various educational benefits, including up to 36 months of support for college, technical training, and more under the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. 

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship offers financial aid for children of service members who died in the line of duty post-9/11. 

Medical benefits through CHAMPVA cover healthcare for spouses and dependent children of 100% service-connected disabled veterans.

Additional VA Benefits

Veterans can also access home loan guarantees, burial benefits, and other support services for their dependents. 

It’s important to stay informed about changes that may affect your eligibility and to promptly submit necessary documentation to maintain or adjust your benefits.

How to Get VA Caregiver & Family Program Approval?

Learn what it takes to get approved for the VA Caregiver Program from experts at our firm. Recently updated with new information for 2024.

How did CPO Sharkey Outsmart the VA?

CPO Glenn Sharkey shares his story about how he was unable to get the rating he deserved from the VA and came to Hill & Ponton for help.

Check us out on YouTube and Spotify!