The children of veterans may be eligible for various benefits, including financial assistance, education support, and healthcare services. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs designed to help the families of service-connected disabled veterans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the benefits available to dependent children of veterans.
Monthly VA dependent benefits
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30% receive increased compensation if they have a spouse or dependent children. These additional payments help support the veteran’s family while they are still living.
When a veteran passes away, their dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This benefit provides monthly financial assistance to the surviving spouse, children, and sometimes even parents of the deceased veteran.
For more details about Spouse and Child DIC, you can refer to the VA’s official resources.
Educational benefits for children of veterans
The VA provides education benefits through the Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program, also known as Chapter 35. This program offers up to 36 months of educational benefits for eligible dependents of veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled.
Eligible educational programs
Children of veterans can use DEA benefits for:
- College, business, technical, or vocational courses
- High school diploma or GED programs
- Independent study or distance learning courses
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training (in specific cases)
The cost of tests for licenses or certifications required for employment
Age limits for educational benefits
Children of eligible veterans can use their education benefits between the ages of 18 and 26. Spouses, on the other hand, have 10 years from the date the VA determines their eligibility to use these benefits.
For more details on the DEA program, visit the VA’s official website.
Medical benefits for children of veterans
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides medical coverage for the spouse and dependent children of most 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
What CHAMPVA covers
CHAMPVA covers medically and psychologically necessary health services and supplies, including:
- Hospital stays and outpatient services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services
- Preventive and specialty care
Eligibility criteria for children
A child remains eligible for CHAMPVA until the age of 18. However, if they are still enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution, their eligibility extends to the age of 23.
When does eligibility end?
A spouse’s eligibility ends if they divorce the veteran or remarry before the age of 55 following the veteran’s death. However, they can regain eligibility if the remarriage ends.
A child’s eligibility ends once they surpass the age limit unless they qualify for an extension based on full-time student status.
For more details about CHAMPVA, visit the VA’s official website.
Additional benefits for children of veterans
Apart from education and healthcare, some children of veterans may qualify for additional survivor benefits. The VA offers various programs aimed at supporting the children of disabled or deceased veterans, including housing assistance, vocational training, and employment services.
How to apply for VA dependent benefits
Applying for VA-dependent benefits can be a complex process. It is recommended that applicants seek assistance from a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to ensure they submit a complete and accurate application. A VSO can guide you through the process, help gather necessary documents, and improve your chances of approval.
If you need help finding a VSO, the National Veterans Foundation (NVF) can assist you. Call 888-777-4443 for more information.
Contact information
For more details about VA-dependent benefits, contact the Lifeline for Vets at:
- Phone: 888-777-4443
- Fax: 310-642-0258
- Address: 5777 West Century Blvd., Ste. 350, Los Angeles, CA 90045
For additional resources, visit the National Veterans Foundation website.
Stay informed
Subscribe to the NVF newsletter for updates on VA benefits and services. Visit the NVF website and enter your email to stay informed.
The National Veterans Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
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