As a veteran receiving VA disability benefits, your compensation can include additional amounts for your dependents, such as children under 18 or those still in school. However, many veterans wonder what happens to their VA disability payments when their child turns 18.
This article provides a detailed guide on how VA dependent benefits are affected as your child reaches adulthood, and what steps you can take to maintain benefits if your child continues their education.
What Are VA Dependent Benefits?
VA dependent benefits are additional payments made to veterans who have a disability rating of 30% or higher and who have eligible dependents, including children under 18, spouses, and parents. These benefits help veterans provide for their families while receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Benefits:
- The veteran must have a disability rating of 30% or higher.
- Eligible dependents include spouses, children under 18, children over 18 who are still in school, and dependent parents.
- Payments increase based on the number of dependents.
What Happens to VA Disability Benefits When a Child Turns 18?
When your child turns 18, they are typically no longer considered a dependent under the VA’s criteria for children. This means that the portion of your VA disability benefits designated for your child will cease unless they meet certain exceptions. These exceptions include continuing full-time education or having a permanent disability that started before turning 18.
Key Changes When a Child Turns 18:
- The additional dependent benefit for a child ends at age 18 unless they are still in school.
- If your child is attending high school, you can continue to receive benefits until they turn 19.
- If they pursue further education (college or vocational school) after high school, you may be able to extend your benefits until they turn 23.
How to Extend VA Benefits for a Child Over 18
If your child is over 18 but still enrolled in an approved educational institution, you can continue receiving dependent benefits until they turn 23. However, you must notify the VA and provide the required documentation to extend these benefits.
Steps to Extend Dependent Benefits for a Child Over 18:
- Submit VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance): This form must be completed to certify that your child is attending school full-time.
- Provide Proof of Enrollment: You’ll need to submit proof from the school, such as an enrollment verification or a transcript showing full-time student status.
- Submit the Forms to the VA: You can mail or submit the form online through the VA’s eBenefits platform.
Once the VA processes the form, you will continue to receive the additional benefit for your child as long as they remain a full-time student or until they turn 23.
Benefits for Permanently Disabled Children
If your child has a permanent disability that occurred before they turned 18, they may continue to be considered a dependent even after their 18th birthday. In this case, you will need to provide medical documentation to the VA proving the child’s condition, which must prevent them from being able to support themselves financially.
Key Considerations for Permanently Disabled Children:
- The child must be permanently disabled before turning 18.
- You must provide medical evidence and documentation of their disability.
- You may continue to receive dependent benefits for the duration of their life, depending on their circumstances.
Impact on Your Overall VA Disability Payment
When a dependent child turns 18 and no longer qualifies for benefits, your total VA disability payment will decrease. The amount you receive depends on your disability rating and the number of dependents you still have.
For instance, if you have a 50% disability rating and were receiving an additional amount for your child, the removal of that dependent could reduce your monthly compensation by approximately $70 – $100. The exact reduction depends on your overall disability rating and the number of other dependents you may still have.
VA Disability Payment Reductions After Child Turns 18
| VA Disability Rating | Payment Reduction (Approx.) After Child Turns 18* |
|---|---|
| 30% | $50 |
| 50% | $70 – $100 |
| 70% | $100 – $150 |
| 100% | $150 – $200 |
*Note: These amounts are approximate and vary based on the current VA payment tables and individual circumstances.
What If My Child Enters the Military?
If your child joins the military before the age of 18, they will no longer be considered a dependent under VA guidelines. However, if they turn 18 and are still under your care or attending school, you may continue to receive benefits until they meet the age limit or complete their education.
How to Notify the VA of Changes
When your child turns 18 or their educational status changes, it’s essential to notify the VA promptly to avoid overpayment or underpayment of benefits. You can notify the VA through the following methods:
- VA Form 21-674 for continuing education benefits.
- Online via eBenefits or the VA.gov platform.
- Contact the VA by phone at 1-800-827-1000.
Failure to notify the VA of changes in dependent status can result in overpayment, which the VA will require you to repay.
Understanding how your VA disability payment changes when your child turns 18 is crucial for financial planning. If your child is continuing their education or has a permanent disability, you may still be eligible for dependent benefits.
By submitting the necessary forms and staying informed about VA guidelines, you can ensure you receive the correct compensation for your dependents. Always notify the VA of any changes in your child’s status to avoid payment discrepancies.
FAQs
What happens to my VA disability payment when my child turns 18?
When your child turns 18, the portion of your VA disability payment for them as a dependent will typically end unless they are still attending high school or continuing their education. You can extend benefits if they are in school until they turn 23.
Can I continue to receive VA benefits if my child goes to college?
Yes, you can continue receiving dependent benefits if your child is attending college full-time. You’ll need to submit VA Form 21-674 to verify their enrollment.
What if my child has a disability?
If your child has a permanent disability that started before they turned 18, you may continue receiving dependent benefits for them throughout their lifetime. You must provide medical documentation to the VA.
What form do I need to fill out to continue benefits for my child after they turn 18?
To continue benefits after your child turns 18 and if they are still in school, you must submit VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance) to the VA.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Website: www.va.gov
- Details: Official information on VA disability compensation and dependent benefits.
- VA eBenefits Portal
- Website: www.ebenefits.va.gov
- Details: Submit forms online and manage your VA benefits, including dependent updates.
- Veterans Benefits Administration
- Website: www.benefits.va.gov
- Details: Guides on VA disability benefits, eligibility criteria, and compensation rates.
