ADDING OR UPDATING DEPENDENTS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) allows eligible Veterans receiving disability compensation or certain VA benefits to add or update dependents within their VA records. Dependents may include spouses, children, dependent parents, or other qualifying family members. Updating dependent information may impact a Veteran’s monthly compensation amount and helps ensure VA records remain accurate and current.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Program provides free assistance to eligible Veterans seeking to add, remove, or update dependent information with the VA. VACCC VSOs assist Veterans by reviewing eligibility requirements, helping gather required documentation, preparing and submitting dependency-related paperwork, and helping Veterans better understand how dependency changes may affect their VA benefits.

Common Required Documentation

Veterans seeking assistance with adding or updating dependents should be prepared to provide:

  • DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
  • Current government-issued photo ID
  • VA Rating Decision or Award Letter showing current VA compensation status
  • Marriage certificate, if adding or updating a spouse
  • Birth certificates for dependent children
  • Adoption paperwork, if applicable
  • Divorce decrees or death certificates related to previous marriages, if applicable
  • School enrollment documentation for dependent children over the applicable age threshold, if required
  • Any previous VA correspondence related to dependency claims or updates

Important Notes

  • Veterans generally must meet minimum VA disability compensation requirements before qualifying for additional dependency compensation
  • Dependency changes may affect monthly VA compensation payments
  • Additional documentation may be required depending on the Veteran’s family situation or requested update
  • VACCC VSOs provide assistance free of charge

Veterans interested in this service must either complete the intake form online using the QR code located on the VACCC home page, or contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 2 to speak with a Veteran Service Officer.