Veterans with a combined disability rating of 30 percent or more may receive additional monthly compensation for dependent parents. Unlike spouse and child dependency which is based on family relationship alone, parental dependency requires demonstrating that the parent is actually dependent on you for financial support. To qualify, your parent must have income and net worth that is insufficient to provide for their basic needs without your assistance. VA looks at the parent total financial situation including income from all sources, assets, and reasonable expenses. There is no fixed income threshold; VA evaluates each case individually. Both biological parents and adoptive parents may qualify. If the parent is living in your household, that can help establish dependency but is not strictly required. You must demonstrate that you provide regular financial support to the parent. To file for dependent parent status, submit the appropriate VA form along with evidence of your financial support and the parent financial situation. This may include bank statements, receipts for payments you make on their behalf, and a statement of the parent income and expenses. Dependent parent claims can be complex and are less commonly filed than spouse or child claims, so make sure to provide thorough documentation to support your case.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).