Add or update dependents for benefit payments
A qualifying dependent may affect compensation, pension or DIC under different program rules.
Who this program may help
Compensation ordinarily requires a combined rating of at least 30%; pension and DIC have their own dependency rules.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Check the benefit and dependent category
Spouse, child, student and dependent-parent requirements differ.
Read the instructions for the actual benefit you receive.
Why this matters
A dependent-payment update is not an application for every family benefit.
When the qualifying relationship or status changes.
VA determines the applicable dependent payment.
Official references
2. Choose the applicable dependency form
The standard dependent update and school-attendance forms differ.
Use 21-686c for applicable spouse or child updates, 21-674 for qualifying school attendance, or the parent-specific instructions.
Why this matters
School attendance and dependent-parent financial evidence need distinct questions.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 21-686c — Add or remove applicable dependents
Applicable spouse or child dependency update
conditional - VA Form 21-674 — Request approval of school attendance
Applicable school attendance for an unmarried child age 18 to 23
conditional - VA Form 21P-509
Dependent-parent request; follow the current official page
conditional
VA may request relationship or financial evidence.
Official references
3. Provide the evidence that applies
Some relationship or disability circumstances need additional documents.
Follow the actual form for adoption, child disability, marriage or other conditional evidence.
Why this matters
Do not assume every applicant needs the same certificate.
Documents for this step
- Conditional relationship or child-status evidence
Only as required by the current form and situation
conditional
VA may verify relationship and school information.
Official references
4. Use the official dependent update method
VA provides an online spouse or child update and paper instructions.
Use the appropriate online or form method for your benefit and dependent.
Why this matters
The compensation destination does not cover every unrelated family application.
Official action:
Continue to VA to update spouse or child dependentsKeep its actual submission confirmation.
VA receives and reviews the update.
Official references
5. Report changes and read the payment decision
Marriage, divorce, death and school changes can affect payments.
Report relevant changes promptly through the benefit’s supported method and check VA’s response.
Why this matters
Unreported changes can cause overpayments.
VA explains the updated payment or requests information.