Children of disabled veterans normally lose dependent status when they turn 18. However, if the child is enrolled in an approved school program on a full-time basis, dependent status can continue until age 23. This additional compensation can make a meaningful difference in your monthly payment. To continue dependent benefits for a school-age child, you must notify VA that the child is attending school and provide enrollment verification. VA sends verification forms periodically and you must return them promptly. If you fail to verify enrollment, VA will remove the child from your benefits and may create an overpayment. Approved schools include colleges, universities, vocational schools, and secondary schools. The enrollment must be full-time as defined by the school. Online programs and distance learning generally qualify if the school considers the student full-time. If the child drops below full-time enrollment, takes a leave of absence, or graduates, you must notify VA immediately. Dependent benefits for school children also terminate if the child gets married, regardless of their enrollment status. Plan ahead for gaps in enrollment, such as summer breaks between school years, because VA may suspend benefits during periods when the child is not actively enrolled.
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).