Understanding VA Benefits for Veterans’ Grown Children

The vast majority of VA benefits, including VA disability benefits, go straight to the veteran. That’s even true when a veteran gets additional VA disability benefits for dependents–the veteran’s monthly benefit is increased, rather than any money going directly to the dependents. 

However, there are some benefits that may be available to adult children of veterans. Each type of benefit has different criteria. For example, some may be available only to grown children who are in school or are disabled. Some may be available only to children of veterans with a permanent 100% VA disability rating. If you are the adult child of a veteran, you should educate yourself about the types of benefits that may be available in your specific circumstances. 

Here’s an overview of some benefits available to adult children of veterans who meet eligibility requirements. 

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC benefits are intended to assist survivors of service members who were killed in service or veterans who died as a result of service-connected medical conditions. The surviving spouse of the veteran is the most common recipient of DIC benefits, which may be increased when there are minor children in the home. However, an unmarried adult child between the ages of 18 and 23 may qualify for DIC benefits if they are enrolled in a qualifying school program. An adult child may also qualify if they are deemed a “helpless child,” meaning that they became unable to support themself due to disability before reaching the age of 18. 

There are additional requirements, though. If the deceased parent didn’t die in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability, the adult child may still be eligible if the parent was eligible to receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling: 

• For at least 10 years prior to their death, OR
• Since separation from service AND for at least five years prior to their death, OR
• For at least one year prior to their death, if they were a POW and died after September 30, 1999

The amount of DIC benefits changes annually and also depends on the reason you are receiving benefits. In 2025, a young adult child in school receives $346.95/month, and a “helpless” adult child receives $697.96/month. 

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Healthcare Coverage

Families of disabled veterans don’t usually qualify for medical coverage, but there are exceptions. When the veteran parent has a 100% permanent disability rating or a permanent TDIU classification, an unmarried child aged 18-23 and enrolled in school may be entitled to healthcare coverage. The same is true for “helpless” adult children of veterans meeting the criteria above. 

Educational Assistance

The main educational assistance available to young adult children of some disabled veterans or deceased veterans is Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). A grown child of a veteran is entitled to this benefit only if the veteran parent: 

• Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
• Died as a result of a service-connected disability, or
• Died in the line of duty, or
• Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days, or
• Was forcibly detained (held) or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days, or
• Is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability

Unlike DIC benefits, an adult child may qualify for these benefits even if they are married. For those who became eligible after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit to use the benefits. For some people who became eligible sooner, there is an eight-year time limit (up to age 26) to use these benefits. 

In some situations, you may have to choose among benefits. For example, if you are receiving DIC benefits and want to take advantage of DEA benefits, you must give up your DIC payments. You may also have to choose among educational benefits. For instance, some children of veterans who are eligible for DEA benefits may also qualify for the Fry Scholarship. However, most must choose between the two.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Special Benefits for Certain Children of Veterans with Spina Bifida

Children of servicemembers or veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may be entitled to VA disability benefits, healthcare, and job training assistance if they have been diagnosed with spina bifida. To qualify for these benefits, the child must show a diagnosis of spina bifida (not including spina bifida occluda) and show that one or both biological parents served in one of the following areas: 

• In Vietnam or Thailand between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975
• In the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971

The child must also have been conceived after the parent entered one of the zones listed above. 

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Don’t Miss Out on Veterans Benefits

Whether you are a surviving child of a servicemember who died in the line of duty, a surviving child of a veteran with a permanent 100% VA disability rating, or the surviving child of certain other disabled veterans who died due to a service-connected condition, you may be entitled to direct benefits. However, benefits vary depending on a variety of factors relating to both you and your veteran parent. 

If you’re uncertain which benefits you may be entitled to or are having difficulty securing benefits you believe you deserve, an experienced veterans benefits advocate can be your best resource. That’s true if you’re a surviving spouse, parent, or are raising the minor child of a disabled veteran or veteran who died under one of the circumstances described above. 

At Disabled Vets, fighting for veterans and their families is all we do. We can help you untangle the benefits you and your loved ones may be entitled to, explain when there are choices to be made, and help you apply or appeal. To learn more, call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Benefits for Adult Children of Veterans

What VA benefits are available to adult children of veterans?
Adult children may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), healthcare coverage, and educational assistance, depending on the veteran parent’s disability rating, service-connected death, or status. Some benefits require the child to be in school or classified as “helpless” due to disability.

Who qualifies for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) as an adult child?
Unmarried adult children ages 18-23 who are enrolled in school, or children deemed “helpless” due to a disability before age 18, may qualify. Eligibility may also depend on the veteran parent’s service-connected disability rating or death circumstances.

Can adult children receive educational benefits from the VA?
Yes. Benefits under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) are available to adult children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, died from a service-connected condition, died in the line of duty, or were POWs. Married children may qualify, and benefits can often be used without time limits, depending on the eligibility date.

Read More On This Topic:

• Appealing a 70% VA Disability Rating to Secure a 100% Rating
• Are VA Benefits Taxable
• Can VA Benefits Be Garnished For Child Support?

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form