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Life event

Getting married.
Help is here.

Adding a spouse, updating benefits

Start here

  1. Update VA Form 21-686c to add your spouse as a dependent (bumps monthly compensation at 30%+).
  2. Update your SGLI beneficiary designation through your branch.
  3. If your spouse needs health coverage and you are 100% P&T, apply for CHAMPVA.

Benefits that apply here

Category: Family
FAMILY

Dependency and Compensation Rate Adjustment for Veterans

Veterans receiving VA disability compensation may add dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) to their award to receive an additional compensation amount beyond the base disability rate.

Available to veterans at 30%+ disability rating with qualifying dependents
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Category: Family
FAMILY

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Low-cost term life insurance of up to $500,000 for active duty servicemembers and members of the Ready Reserve, automatically enrolled with opt-down or opt-out options.

Available to servicemembers on active duty or in the Ready ReserveUp to $500K coverageMax elected coverage
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Category: Family
FAMILY

CHAMPVA Health Coverage

Cost-sharing health care program for eligible dependents of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected condition.

Available to dependents of 100% P&T veterans or veterans who died from service-connected condition (TRICARE-covered dependents excluded. See va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva)
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Beyond the VA

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Get help adding dependents.

A VSO rep can walk you through 21-686c at no cost. Dependency changes typically need to be filed within one year of the marriage to back-date.

Find a VSO near you