Family & payments
Adding dependents, direct deposit & family benefits
Your compensation can do more for your family than you may realize — extra pay for dependents, guaranteed life insurance, state benefits and more. Here is how to claim each one.
Adding dependents for extra pay at 30%+, dependent back pay, direct deposit, VALife insurance, state benefits, and VA debt management.
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Compensation, healthcare, and support for your family
As a veteran you are entitled to benefits built for financial security, healthcare, and family support. Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher can receive extra compensation for dependents; the VALife program offers guaranteed whole-life coverage; and setting up direct deposit ensures your payments arrive on time and securely. This page walks through each one, with the exact form and phone number.
Extra monthly pay
Adding dependents to your compensation
Veterans receiving compensation at 30% or higher can add dependents for additional monthly pay. You provide documentation such as proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates) and, where applicable, evidence of a dependent’s need for support.
Spouses
A legal spouse is eligible for additional compensation.
Children
Biological, step, and adopted children — and in some cases children over 18 who are attending school or are disabled.
Dependent parents
Parents who rely on you for financial support may qualify as dependents.
How to apply
Submit **VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office, with proof of marriage or birth certificates and any relevant medical records for a disabled child. Questions? Call the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000**.
Do not leave it on the table
Back pay for dependents
When you are granted a rating of 30% or more and add dependents, you may be owed back pay. It is calculated from the effective date of the increased rating or the date the dependency claim was filed — whichever is later.
A worked example
If a veteran received a 30% rating effective January 1, 2022 but did not add a dependent spouse and child until July 1, 2022, they may be owed back pay for that gap. The VA calculates the difference in compensation and pays it as a lump sum. File dependency claims promptly and keep documentation current so nothing is lost.
Get paid on time
Setting up direct deposit
To set up direct deposit, provide the VA your account type (checking or savings), account number, and bank routing number. You can update it by logging into your VA.gov account, or by calling the VA Benefits Hotline. Any veteran receiving VA benefits can set up direct deposit — doing it correctly is crucial for timely, secure payments.
Payment & benefit hotlines
- VA Benefits Hotline (direct deposit & dependents): 800-827-1000
- VA Health Benefits Hotline: 877-222-8387
- VALife / insurance support: 800-669-8477
- VA Debt Management Center: 800-827-0648
Guaranteed coverage
VALife life insurance
Up to $40,000, no medical exam
The Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) program provides guaranteed-acceptance whole-life coverage up to $40,000 for veterans with service-connected disabilities — available in $10,000 increments with no medical exam. Full coverage takes effect two years after enrollment, provided premiums are paid. Apply online through the VA’s insurance webpage; call **800-669-8477** for support.
Medical coverage
Filing for VA healthcare benefits
Veterans can apply for VA healthcare — primary care, specialized care, and mental health services — with eligibility based on service history, discharge status, and income. Apply by completing **VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) online, by mail, or in person at a VA healthcare facility. For help, call the VA Health Benefits Hotline at 877-222-8387**.
Beyond the federal check
State benefits for veterans
Many states offer their own benefits on top of the federal ones. Each state has its own Department of Veterans Affairs (or similar agency) that administers them — it is worth checking what your state provides.
Education
Many states offer tuition waivers or reductions at state colleges and universities, plus scholarships and grants for veterans and their dependents.
Employment
Veterans’ preference in state hiring, job-training programs, and help finding work through state workforce agencies.
Property tax
Several states provide property-tax exemptions or reductions, especially for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Recreation & housing
Free or discounted state park access, hunting and fishing licenses, plus state-run veterans’ homes offering long-term and assisted-living care.
If the VA says you owe money
VA debt management
Respond to DMC notices promptly
The VA Debt Management Center (DMC) handles debts related to VA benefits — for example, an overpayment. You can set up repayment plans, request waivers, or submit appeals. Respond promptly to any DMC notice to avoid penalties or interest. Reach the DMC at **800-827-0648**.
The two forms most relevant to family and healthcare benefits:
- VA Form 21-686c — Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
Adds or updates dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) on your compensation.
- VA Form 10-10EZ — Application for Health Benefits
Enrolls you in VA healthcare based on service history, discharge status, and income.
Put a number on it
Free calculators for this topic
Want a second set of eyes on your claim?
Albert Thombs is an accredited VA claims agent (#45147). A free review will tell you what evidence your claim is missing and how to strengthen it — before you file.
Call 702-992-4883 · Mon–Fri, 11:00 – 18:00 Pacific