Fill out VA 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) online
VA Form 21-686c is used by veterans to add or remove dependents from their VA benefits. Veterans receiving disability compensation at 30% or higher are eligible for additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents. This form is also used to report changes in dependent status such as marriage, divorce, death of a dependent, or a child reaching the age limit.
How to fill out VA 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents)
Enter veteran information
Provide your full name, Social Security number, VA file number, date of birth, and contact information. Include your current combined disability rating percentage.
Add dependents
For each dependent you are adding, provide their full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and relationship to you. For a spouse, include the date and place of marriage. For children, indicate whether they are biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
Report changes in dependent status
If reporting a change, indicate the type of change (divorce, death, child aging out, new marriage) and provide the relevant date. For children 18-23 attending school, provide the school name, address, and expected graduation date.
Attach supporting documents
Include certified copies of required documents: marriage certificates for adding a spouse, birth certificates for children, adoption decrees, divorce decrees for removing a former spouse, or death certificates. School enrollment verification is needed for children 18-23.
Sign and submit
Sign and date the form. Submit it with all supporting documents. The VA will process the request and adjust your monthly compensation accordingly. Report changes within one year to avoid overpayment issues.
About VA 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents)
Who needs this form
Veterans with a combined disability rating of 30% or higher who want to add a spouse, child, or dependent parent to their VA compensation. Also used by veterans who need to report changes in dependent status, such as a divorce, death of a dependent, a child turning 18 (or 23 if in school), or a new marriage.
Where to submit
Submit online at va.gov (recommended for fastest processing), by mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center, by fax, or in person at a VA regional office. You can also submit through your Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not submitting the form promptly after a change in dependent status (delays can result in overpayment that must be repaid)
- Failing to include required supporting documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or divorce decrees
- Not reporting the removal of a dependent after divorce or a child aging out of eligibility
- Omitting school enrollment certification for children between 18 and 23 who are attending school full-time
Frequently asked questions
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How much additional compensation do I receive for dependents?
The additional amount varies based on your disability rating and the type of dependent. As of 2024, a veteran rated at 30% receives approximately $60-70 per month for a spouse, while a veteran rated at 100% receives approximately $400 or more for a spouse. Additional amounts are paid for each dependent child, and a higher rate applies if your spouse is designated as Aid and Attendance. Check the current VA compensation rate tables at va.gov for exact amounts.
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