FAMILYVA program
CHAMPVA Health Coverage
Cost-sharing health care program for the spouse and dependent children of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, and for the surviving spouse and children of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition or was rated permanently and totally disabled at death, or of a service member who died in the line of duty. Spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children enrolled in CHAMPVA can buy discounted private dental insurance through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).
Spouses, surviving spouses, and children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected condition, or who died from one or in the line of duty; not if eligible for TRICARE
Step-by-step guide
What VA looks for: a spouse or child of a living veteran
- A veteran rated permanently and totally disabledVA has rated the veteran's service-connected disability permanent and total. VA.gov describes that as a disability rated 100% disabling and not expected to improve.
- A spouse or child of the veteranA spouse in a marriage VA recognizes, or an unmarried child who is under 18, 18 to 23 and in school, or permanently unable to self-support since before 18.
- No TRICARE, and other coverage reportedAnyone who can get TRICARE cannot get CHAMPVA. VA also asks about Medicare and any other health insurance, which generally pay before CHAMPVA.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.270 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab)
Which situation applies to your family?
- Spouse or child of a living veteran
CHAMPVA covers the spouse or child of a veteran VA has rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability. A family member who can get TRICARE cannot get CHAMPVA.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.270 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab)
- Surviving spouse or child
CHAMPVA covers the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, or who was rated permanently and totally disabled at the time of death. It can also cover the survivors of a service member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct, when they cannot get TRICARE.
- The veteran's death or rating at deathA VA decision that the death was service connected, or a permanent and total rating in effect at death. A death on active duty in the line of duty, not due to misconduct, is the other route.
- A surviving spouse or childA surviving spouse, or an unmarried child under the same age and school rules. A surviving spouse who remarries before 55 loses CHAMPVA on the remarriage date, and remarrying at 55 or older does not end it. If a remarriage before 55 later ends, coverage can restart the first day of the next month.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab)
- Adult child unable to self-support since before 18
A child who, before age 18, became permanently unable to self-support because of a disability can keep CHAMPVA after 18. VA calls this a helpless child. A VA regional office decides it, and coverage ends if the child marries or becomes able to self-support.
- Unable to self-support since before 18A VA regional office rating that the child was permanently unable to self-support at 18 because of a physical or mental disability. Earning their own support is evidence against the rating. Casual, tryout, or unsuccessful work, or a job that ended soon because of the disability, does not count against it.
Source: 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.356 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab)
- With Medicare, or age 65 and older
For people who can get Medicare, CHAMPVA requires Medicare Part A and Part B to get or keep coverage; a Medicare Advantage plan also meets this. Medicare can start before 65 for people who get SSDI or have end-stage kidney disease or ALS. Part D is not required.
- Medicare Part A and Part B, or proof you cannot get MedicareA copy of your Medicare card, or a Social Security notice of disallowance if you are 65 or older and cannot get Medicare.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); VA Form 10-7959c (opens in new tab)
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The veteran's VA decision letter The VA decision that rated the veteran permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability, or that found the death service connected. | The veteran's rating or cause of death | VA made the decision and holds it in its records. Veterans can download decision letters and a benefit summary letter on VA.gov. | Yes |
| Marriage records A marriage certificate, certificate of civil union, or common-law marriage affidavit. For a surviving spouse whose remarriage before 55 ended, the divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate that ended it. | Your marriage to the veteran | A copy goes to VA with the application. VA.gov lists these as optional documents that help VA process a spouse application. | Yes |
| Birth, adoption, or stepchild records The child's birth certificate. For an adopted child, the adoption papers. For a stepchild, proof of the marriage between the veteran and the child's other parent. | The child's relationship to the veteran | A copy goes to VA with the application. VA.gov lists adoption papers and proof of the marriage as needed in those cases. | Yes |
| School certification letter A letter on school letterhead confirming that a child 18 to 23 is enrolled, with the term dates and expected graduation date, signed by a school official. | That a child 18 to 23 is in school | The school writes it, and you or the school mail or fax it to CHAMPVA. VA asks for it within 1 month after the first term begins, and again at least once a year. | |
| Helpless child rating letter A VA regional office rating that the child became permanently unable to self-support before age 18. | Inability to self-support since before 18 | Ask your nearest VA regional office how to get it. A copy can go to VA with the CHAMPVA application. | Yes |
| Records of the child's disability Medical and other records of the child's physical or mental disability and ability to self-support at age 18. | The disability behind the rating | The VA regional office decides the rating on the evidence in the record. Records go to VA, not into BeneVets. | |
| Medicare and health insurance cards Copies of the front and back of your Medicare card, any Medicare Part D card, and any other health insurance card. | Medicare Part A and Part B, and other coverage | Copies go to VA with VA Form 10-7959c, with the online application or by mail with the paper one. | Yes |
| Other health insurance certification VA Form 10-7959c, where each applicant reports Medicare or other health insurance. | Coverage that pays before CHAMPVA | Complete it when an applicant has Medicare or other health insurance, and send it to VA with the application, online or by mail. The same form reports coverage changes later. | |
| Social Security notice of disallowance A Social Security letter confirming you cannot get Medicare under anyone's Social Security number. | That you cannot get Medicare at 65 or older | Social Security issues it. A copy goes to VA with the application, or when you turn 65. | Yes |
Records go to VA with the application. BeneVets does not ask for copies of them.
Steps, in order
- Get free help from a VSO
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
- Find the veteran's route
Check which applies to the veteran: rated permanently and totally disabled, died from a service-connected disability, rated permanently and totally disabled at death, or died in the line of duty on active service.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab)
- Check TRICARE first
Anyone who can get TRICARE cannot get CHAMPVA. VA.gov links to the TRICARE website to check.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab)
- For a newborn, add the child first
VA cannot pay claims for a newborn until the child is enrolled in CHAMPVA. First get the child a Social Security number, then add the child as the veteran's dependent through a VA regional office. Then apply.
- Gather family records
For a spouse, a marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or common-law marriage affidavit helps VA. For each child, include the birth certificate; for an adopted child or a stepchild, add the adoption papers or proof of the veteran's marriage to the child's other parent.
Source: VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab)
- Add school proof for ages 18 to 23
A child 18 to 23 in school needs a school certification letter, sent within 1 month after the first term begins and renewed at least once a year. A college acceptance letter can cover the gap after high school.
Source: VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab)
- Ask about a helpless child rating
For a child who became permanently unable to self-support before 18, ask your nearest VA regional office how to get a helpless child rating letter. The regional office decides the rating on the evidence in the record.
Source: VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.356 (opens in new tab)
- Report Medicare and other insurance
If an applicant has Medicare or other health insurance, complete VA Form 10-7959c and include copies of the front and back of each card, including any Part D card. At 65 or older without Medicare, include the Social Security notice of disallowance.
Source: VA Form 10-7959c (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab)
- Apply with VA Form 10-10d
Apply online on VA.gov, or mail or fax VA Form 10-10d and the supporting documents to CHAMPVA. The form asks about the veteran and each family member applying.
Source: VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab)
- Keep the welcome letter and ID card
If VA approves the application, it mails a welcome letter and a CHAMPVA ID card. The CHAMPVA Guidebook on VA.gov explains covered care.
- Find providers who accept CHAMPVA
CHAMPVA has no provider network. Ask a provider whether they accept assignment, meaning they take the CHAMPVA allowable amount as payment. Hospitals that accept Medicare must also accept CHAMPVA.
Source: VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.272(b) (opens in new tab)
- File claims within 1 year
Most providers file claims for you. If you paid out of pocket, file VA Form 10-7959a online or by mail within 1 year of the care, or of leaving the hospital. Enroll in direct deposit first, since claim payments come that way.
Source: VA Form 10-7959a (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to file a CHAMPVA claim (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab)
- Keep Medicare Part A and Part B
At 65, send CHAMPVA proof of Medicare coverage, or the Social Security notice of disallowance. For most people who can get Medicare, CHAMPVA requires keeping both Part A and Part B.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
- Look at VADIP for dental insurance
CHAMPVA enrollees can buy dental insurance through VADIP from Delta Dental or MetLife and enroll online with the carrier. CHAMPVA itself covers dental care only in limited medical cases, with approval first.
Source: VA.gov: VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.272(a)(21) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.273 (opens in new tab)
- Report changes right away
Tell CHAMPVA right away about a divorce, a remarriage, new health insurance, or a change in school status.
Source: VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
Good to know
CHAMPVA is a VA program. TRICARE is the Defense Department's program for service members and retirees, their families, and survivors. Anyone who can get TRICARE cannot get CHAMPVA.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
CHAMPVA pays second to Medicare, including a Medicare Advantage plan. CHAMPVA can cover some or all of the Part B deductible, but it does not pay Part B premiums.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
At 65, VA asks for proof of Medicare coverage to keep CHAMPVA. Without Medicare at 65, VA asks for a Social Security notice of disallowance instead. People who turned 65 before June 5, 2001 follow an older Part B rule.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
After a yearly outpatient deductible, you generally pay 25 percent of the CHAMPVA allowable amount, and a yearly cap limits what a household pays. With other health insurance, CHAMPVA generally pays after it. Medicaid is an exception: CHAMPVA pays before it.
Source: 38 CFR 17.274 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.272(a)(3) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab)
Most providers file CHAMPVA claims for you. A claim you file yourself must be filed within 1 year of the care, or within 1 year of leaving the hospital after a stay. Payment on your own claims comes by direct deposit.
Source: 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to file a CHAMPVA claim (opens in new tab)
CHAMPVA also covers a Primary Family Caregiver in VA's family caregiver program who has no other health insurance. That route runs through the caregiver application. When VA finds CHAMPVA applies, it enrolls the caregiver automatically, with no separate CHAMPVA application.
Source: 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab)
A divorce or annulment from the veteran ends a spouse's CHAMPVA. A stepchild who leaves the veteran's household because of divorce or remarriage loses it too. Report status changes to CHAMPVA right away.
Source: VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab); VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab)
CHAMPVA covers dental care only in limited medical cases, and those need approval first. For dental insurance, VA.gov points CHAMPVA enrollees to the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), where you pay the premiums and any copays.
Source: 38 CFR 17.272(a)(21) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.273 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab); VA.gov: VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) (opens in new tab)
The CHAMPVA rule excludes acupuncture, whether it is used as treatment or as an anesthetic. The same rule lists other care CHAMPVA does not cover.
BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you
Sources checked September 23, 2026: 38 CFR 3.57(a)(1) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 3.356 (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.270 (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.271(a) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.271(b) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.272(a)(3) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.272(a)(21) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.272(a)(33) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.272(b) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.273 (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.274 (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 17.276 (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab), VA.gov: download VA benefit letters (opens in new tab), VA.gov: CHAMPVA benefits (opens in new tab), VA.gov: CHAMPVA care (opens in new tab), VA.gov: how to file a CHAMPVA claim (opens in new tab), VA.gov: VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) (opens in new tab), VA Form 10-10d (opens in new tab), VA Form 10-7959c (opens in new tab), VA Form 10-7959a (opens in new tab)