Can Married Veterans Both Claim Dependents?
Married veterans face unique rules for claiming dependents. Learn how to properly add a spouse or child to your VA benefits and maximize your monthly compensation.
Veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating of 30% or higher may qualify for increased monthly compensation if they have dependents. The VA recognizes a spouse, unmarried children under 18 (or up to 23 if attending school), and dependent parents as qualifying dependents. This additional payment acknowledges the veteran’s increased financial responsibility.
How Married Veterans Can Claim Dependents
A common question for veteran couples is whether both can receive additional VA disability payments for the same dependents. If both veteran spouses have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, the answer is yes. In this situation, both veterans can add their spouse and all of their qualifying children to their respective benefits.
This means Veteran A can claim Veteran B as a dependent spouse, and Veteran B can also claim Veteran A. Similarly, both veterans can claim the same child or children. Each veteran will receive the additional monthly compensation for all dependents they claim, which can significantly increase the total household income.
For example, based on 2025 VA compensation rates, a veteran with a 50% disability rating, a veteran spouse, and one child receives a notable increase in their monthly payment. If their spouse also has a qualifying disability rating of 30% or more, they can also claim the veteran spouse and the child, receiving a similar increase. Claims involving a spouse who is also a veteran may take longer for the VA to process due to the additional verification required.
Process for Adding a Dependent to VA Benefits
Information and Documents Needed
To add a dependent, you will need to gather the following documentation:
- A copy of the marriage certificate to add a spouse.
- Proof of legal dissolution for any prior marriages, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
- A birth certificate showing the parents’ names for each child.
- Social Security numbers for the spouse and any children being added.
- A completed Request for Approval of School Attendance for children between 18 and 23 who are enrolled in school.
How to Submit the Claim
The most efficient method is to file online through the VA.gov website. This platform allows for the direct upload of required documents and establishes an effective date for the claim. If approved, benefits may be paid retroactively to that date.
Alternatively, veterans can submit a physical application by completing a Declaration of Status of Dependents form. This form, along with photocopies of supporting documents, must be mailed to the appropriate VA regional office.