Dependent Benefit Estimator
See exactly how much a spouse or each dependent child adds to your monthly VA compensation.
Last updated: 2026-07-06
Life changes — marriage, a new child — should translate into an updated VA payment, but the exact dollar impact isn't always obvious. This tool isolates exactly how much each dependent adds on top of your base rate, so you know what to expect before or after filing VA Form 21-686c.
Why This Is Worth Checking After Every Life Change
Veterans sometimes forget to formally add a new spouse or child to their VA file, which means their payment doesn't reflect their actual household even though they're entitled to more. Filing VA Form 21-686c promptly after a marriage or birth is the only way the added amount actually starts flowing — the VA doesn't automatically detect these changes.
Want the complete monthly and annual picture, not just the dependent delta?
See Your Full Monthly EstimateThe Add-On Scales With Your Rating
The dollar amount each dependent adds isn't flat across all ratings — it scales with your specific combined rating level, which is why the same family situation adds more at 100% than it does at 30%. This tool shows the actual delta for your specific rating rather than a generic estimate.
Conclusion
If you've had a recent marriage or a new child and haven't filed Form 21-686c yet, that paperwork is the only thing standing between you and this additional monthly amount.
Want the complete monthly and annual picture, not just the dependent delta?
See Your Full Monthly Estimate