Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)

Match your existing VA award records.

(legal name and VA file number)

Common mistakes

• ×Omitting VA File Number - form cannot be attached to your award.

The parent's full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Specify the relationship: biological parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or step-parent. Each must meet the dependency criteria independently.

e.g., Mary Jane Smith, SSN: 567-89-0123, DOB: 12/05/1948; 456 Oak St, Tucson AZ 85701; biological mother

Common mistakes

• ×Listing a grandparent or sibling as a "parent" - VA defines parent by legal relationship, not caregiver role.
• ×Not including both parents if both qualify - file one entry per qualifying parent.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.57 - School-enrollment requirements (18-23) and permanently helpless child determinations for dependency.

Report the parent's total annual income from every source: Social Security benefits, pension, wages, rental income, dividends and interest, trust payments, any other income. Also report net worth: savings, checking accounts, real estate equity (excluding primary residence), investments, and other assets. VA compares these to published income thresholds to determine dependency.

e.g., SSA: $1,200/mo; no other income. Net worth: $8,500 savings, primary home excluded per VA rules.

Common mistakes

• ×Excluding the primary residence from income but including it in net worth - VA excludes the primary home from net worth calculations.
• ×Forgetting to include Social Security benefits - SSA income counts fully.
• ×Rounding numbers - report exact figures; estimates can delay or deny the dependency claim.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.57 - School-enrollment requirements (18-23) and permanently helpless child determinations for dependency.

Describe and document what you contribute: direct cash payments, paying their rent or mortgage, paying utility bills, buying groceries, medical expenses you cover. Include approximate annual dollar amounts. VA requires that you actually contribute to the parent's support, not just that the parent is low-income.

e.g., $600/month direct transfer to parent's bank account + pay $250/month parent's utilities = approximately $10,200/year total contribution

Common mistakes

• ×Claiming the parent is a dependent without documenting actual financial contribution from you - VA requires both low income AND veteran support.
• ×Overstating contributions without documentation - bank records and payment receipts should match what you report.

Both the veteran AND the parent(s) typically sign, certifying accuracy under penalty of perjury. The parent's signature confirms the income and net worth information.

(veteran and parent signatures and dates)

Common mistakes

• ×Only the veteran signing - parent signature is usually required.
• ×Not updating VA when the parent's financial situation changes significantly - this is a reportable event.