Dependent Allowance
Additional monthly payment to the veteran for qualifying dependents.
Federal BenefitMonthly Compensation
Verified September 30, 2026 against va.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Monthly Compensation — Federal
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- 30% or higher
- Where it applies
- United States
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Dependent Allowance?
Dependent Allowance is a federal monthly compensation benefit for veterans. Additional monthly payment to the veteran for qualifying dependents. Requires 30%+ VA disability rating.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Requires 30%+ VA disability rating
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Must be rated 30% or higher (per 38 U.S.C. § 1115). Must have qualifying dependents: spouse, unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school), or dependent parents.
How to apply for Dependent Allowance
How it works
Additional monthly amounts are added to the veteran's base disability compensation check (this is paid TO the veteran, not directly to the dependent). Rates vary by rating percentage and number/type of dependents.
Example at 50% (2026 rates): +$109/month for spouse, +$54/month for each additional child under 18 (the first child is built into the basic rate), +$176/month for each child 18+ in school, +$101/month if spouse needs Aid & Attendance, +$88/month for one dependent parent.
How to apply
Add dependents via VA Form 21-686c online at va.gov or through your VA Regional Office. Provide marriage certificates and children's birth certificates.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- va.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Dependent Allowance
Who qualifies for Dependent Allowance?
Dependent Allowance is for Veterans; requires 30%+ VA disability rating. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Dependent Allowance?
Requires 30%+ VA disability rating.
How do I apply for Dependent Allowance?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Dependent Allowance?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other Federal Monthly Compensation
- VA Disability Compensation (10%)$180.42/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- VA Disability Compensation (20%)$356.66/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- VA Disability Compensation (30%)$552.47/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- VA Disability Compensation (40%)$795.84/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.