VA benefits recipients often wonder whether their spouse’s income influences their eligibility or benefit amount. The answer varies based on the specific VA benefit program. This article explains how marriage and spousal income affect different VA benefits, providing veterans and their families with much-needed clarity as they navigate these important financial aid programs.
VA disability compensation is typically not impacted by spousal income
Good news for most veterans; VA disability compensation—the most prevalent benefit for service-connected disabilities—is not means-tested. That is, your income from your spouse does not decrease your level of basic disability compensation. VA disability compensation is solely determined by your disability rating, not family income or assets.
Marriage does affect disability benefits, but in a beneficial manner. Disabled veterans with ratings of 30% and above are eligible for additional compensation for dependents, including spouses. The added benefit aids dependents and acknowledges the financial obligation veterans owe their dependents.
Additional compensation for dependents
If you have a VA disability rating of 30% or more, you are entitled to an addition to your monthly compensation for having dependents, which are:
- Your spouse
- Children under 18
- Children who are students between ages 18 and 23
- Dependent parents
The size of this payment is determined exactly based on your disability rating and number of dependents. You must notify the VA of your dependents in order to qualify for this benefit.
VA healthcare and means testing
Although disability compensation is not affected by a spouse’s income, certain VA medical care can be. The VA applies a means test (income verification) to decide if veterans must pay co-payments for the treatment of non-service-connected illnesses.
This test takes into account family income, even that of a spouse. A married veteran whose family annual income is in excess of certain thresholds, for instance, would be held liable to pay co-payments for care they receive for non-service-connected ailments.
VA pension benefits and where Spousal income counts
In contrast to disability compensation, the VA pension benefits (like the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension) are needs-based benefits meant for veterans with not a whole lot of income or assets. With those programs, the VA will count all of the family income, including your spouse’s.
When you receive pension benefits, your income and assets and those of your spouse are combined to qualify. Your spouse’s income can affect your eligibility and amount of these programs based on need.
Survivors benefits and DIC
For surviving veterans’ spouses, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program offers tax-free monthly allowances. The minimum rate of monthly payment for surviving spouses as of December 2024 is $1,653.07. DIC benefits to themselves are not income-dependent, i.e., the surviving spouse’s income does not diminish their DIC payment. The surviving spouse’s income may be considered in other VA survivor benefits, though.
Understanding how your spouse’s income affects your VA benefits is important in order to maximize your entitlements. Disability compensation is not impacted by spousal income (and increases with the addition of dependents), but other benefits like healthcare co-payments and pension programs do consider family income.
Veterans must check their benefits periodically with changing family circumstances and think about consulting a VA-accredited representative when necessary to ensure they receive all the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Marriage is something that is supposed to be positive that occurs in life, and being aware of these regulations helps veterans remain financially secure while building their families.
Related article:
Can I receive VA benefits if I live outside the U.S.?
Can I receive VA benefits if I served overseas but never saw combat?
