Understanding Dependent Pay and CHAMPVA Benefits

Understanding Dependent Pay and CHAMPVA Benefits

Written by Adam Zider, Senior Advocate

If you’re a veteran with a VA disability rating, there may be additional benefits available for your family that are often overlooked, including additional pay for dependents and CHAMPVA healthcare coverage. At Veterans Help Group, we work with veterans and their families every day to make sure no benefit goes unclaimed.

Below, we break down two key benefits: adding dependents to your VA compensation and healthcare eligibility through CHAMPVA.

Additional Dependent Pay for Veterans with a 30%+ Disability Rating

If you have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, you may be eligible to receive extra monthly compensation by adding qualified dependents to your award. This can significantly increase your total monthly payment.

Who qualifies as a dependent?

• Spouse – This includes same-sex and common-law marriages.
• Children – Must be unmarried and meet at least one of these conditions:
  • Under age 18
  • Between 18–23 and enrolled in school full-time
  • Became permanently disabled before turning 18
• Parents – If you’re directly caring for them and they meet certain income and asset limits.

To add dependents, you must submit specific VA forms. The most up-to-date forms and instructions can be found on the VA’s dependent benefits page. You can also contact our team—we’re happy to guide you through the process.

CHAMPVA Healthcare Coverage

If you’re a dependent (spouse or child) of a veteran who is rated 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or a survivor of such a veteran, you may qualify for CHAMPVA.

CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) helps cover the cost of various medical services and supplies, acting as secondary insurance for many families.

CHAMPVA covers:

• Maternity care and family planning
• Mental health services
• Inpatient & outpatient care
• Skilled nursing
• Hospice
• Prescription medications
• Ambulance services
• Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or CPAP machines)
• Organ transplants

Who qualifies for CHAMPVA?

At least one of the following must be true:

• You’re the spouse or dependent child of a veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled
• You’re the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who:
  • Died from a service-connected disability, or
  • Was rated 100% P&T at the time of death
• You may also qualify if the service member died in the line of duty (not due to misconduct), but only if you’re not eligible for TRICARE.

Note: “Permanent and total” means the disability is rated at 100% and is not expected to improve.

For the most current information or to apply, visit the CHAMPVA page on the VA’s site or call VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Need Help Navigating Your VA Disability Benefits?

We’re here to help you maximize what you and your loved ones are entitled to. Whether it’s dependent pay or CHAMPVA coverage, our advocates are ready to walk you through the application steps. Have questions? Click here or call us at (800) 800-3332 for a free consultation.

This article was written and reviewed by Adam Zider, Senior Advocate at Veterans Help Group. Adam brings years of experience helping veterans and families access the full range of benefits available to them.

Learn More About VA Disability Below:

• How To Speed Up Your VA Disability Claim
• How To Apply For VA Disability Benefits
• SSD For Veterans