If your combined rating is 30% or higher, the people who depend on you can add a meaningful amount to your monthly check. Here's who counts and what they're worth in 2026.
The 30% threshold
This is the rule that surprises people: at 10% and 20%, every veteran is paid the same flat rate, no matter their family. Dependents only increase your compensation once you reach a 30% combined rating. From there, the higher your rating, the more each dependent adds.
Who counts as a dependent
- Spouse — a current legal spouse.
- Children under 18 — biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
- Children 18–23 in school — unmarried children attending an approved program full-time; they're paid at a higher rate than minors.
- Dependent parents — up to two parents who rely on you financially, subject to the VA's income/dependency test.
A child who is permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability that began before age 18 can remain a dependent indefinitely.
2026 added amounts
The first child and a spouse are built into the base "with dependents" rates. Beyond that, the VA adds these fixed amounts per extra dependent (2026, effective Dec 1, 2025):
| Rating | Each child under 18 | Each child 18–23 in school | Spouse Aid & Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $32.00 | $105.00 | $61.00 |
| 50% | $54.00 | $176.00 | $101.00 |
| 70% | $76.00 | $246.00 | $141.00 |
| 100% | $109.11 | $352.45 | $201.41 |
(The full pay chart lists every rating level.)
Aid & Attendance for a spouse
If your spouse is so disabled that they need the regular aid of another person, you may qualify for an additional Aid & Attendance (A&A) amount on top of the normal spouse rate — for example, an extra $141 a month at 70%. It requires medical evidence about your spouse's condition.
A worked example
A veteran rated 70% with a spouse, two children under 18, and one dependent parent:
- Base rate with spouse and one child: $2,074.45
- One additional child under 18: + $76.00
- One dependent parent: + $123.00
- Total: $2,273.45 / month
Don't forget to file for them
Dependents don't get added automatically — you have to claim them with the VA (and remove them after events like a divorce or a child turning 18, to avoid an overpayment you'll owe back). Adding an eligible dependent can be backdated in some cases, so it's worth doing promptly. You can add dependents through your VA account or with help from an accredited representative.