Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
Use this form to add or remove dependents from your VA benefits. This includes adding a spouse, children, or dependent parents, or removing dependents due to divorce, death, or children aging out.
Used in these claim stages:
Last updated by VA: January 1, 2024
How to Complete This Form
Complete the sections that apply to your situation:
**Section I - Veteran Information**
Your personal and contact information.
**Section II - Add Spouse**
If adding a spouse:
- Spouse's full name, SSN, date of birth
- Date and place of marriage
- Marriage certificate required
- If either was previously married, divorce decrees required
**Section III - Add Children**
For each child:
- Child's full name, SSN, date of birth
- Birth certificate required
- If stepchild, documentation of relationship
- If adopted, adoption decree
- If child is 18-23 and in school, school certification
**Section IV - Add Dependent Parents**
If claiming dependent parents:
- Parent's information
- Evidence of dependency (financial)
**Section V - Remove Dependents**
Report divorces, deaths, or children no longer qualifying:
- Date of divorce and location
- Date of death
- Date child married or left school
Helpful Tips
- Add dependents as soon as possible to receive additional compensation
- Keep copies of all marriage certificates, birth certificates, and divorce decrees
- Children can be claimed until age 18, or 23 if in school full-time
- Report changes promptly to avoid overpayments
- You can submit this form online through VA.gov
- Dependent parents must meet income requirements
- Stepchildren count if they live with you
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to report divorce or death of dependent (causes overpayment)
- Not providing required documentation (marriage/birth certificates)
- Missing the school certification for children 18-23
- Not reporting when children turn 18 and aren't in school
- Failing to report remarriage after divorce
Deadline Information
Report changes within 1 year to potentially receive retroactive benefits. You MUST report dependency changes promptly - failure to report a dependent's removal can result in overpayment and debt to VA.