VA Dependency Calculator (2026)
See how a spouse, children, or dependent parents change your monthly VA disability payment at 2026 rates.
Who counts as a dependent?
For VA compensation purposes, dependents are a spouse, children under 18 (biological, adopted, or stepchildren in your household), children 18–23 enrolled full-time in school, children of any age who became permanently disabled before 18, and parents who rely on you financially.
How to add dependents
Use VA Form 21-686c — fastest online at VA.gov, where straightforward additions often process automatically. School-age children also need VA Form 21-674. Full walkthrough with documents and timelines: How to Add Dependents to Your VA Benefits.
Dependent additions are retroactive to the date you became eligible in many cases — but only if you file. A 70% veteran who waits a year to add a spouse gives up roughly $1,800.
Notes on accuracy
Figures use 2026 rate tables (effective December 1, 2025). Combinations involving a spouse plus dependent parents plus multiple children use published add-on amounts and may vary slightly from your award letter. Verify final numbers at VA.gov.