VA Form 21P-8924
Application for Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)
You (or your child) were receiving SSA student or other dependency benefits that were eliminated in 1981 following the veteran's death on active duty or from a service-connected condition.
- Who fills it
- survivor
- Journey phase
- Survivor Benefits
- Estimated time
- 20-30 minutes if you are eligible.
- When to file
- Contact a VSO or VA first to verify eligibility - this benefit has a very narrow eligible population.
Official VA form page: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-8924/
Gather before you start
- ▸Documentation of prior SSA dependency benefits
- ▸Evidence SSA benefits were eliminated in 1981
- ▸Veteran's death certificate and service records
Attach with the form
- ▸SSA award letters and termination notices
- ▸Veteran's death certificate
- ▸DD-214
Section I - Claimant Identification
Blocks 1-5Surviving spouse or child name, SSN, addressPII
Your identifying information. REPS provides benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition when their SSA benefits were terminated in 1981.
(your legal name, SSN, address)
Common mistakes
- ×Filing without first confirming eligibility with a VSO - this benefit has a very narrow eligible population.
Section II - Veteran Information
Blocks 6-10Veteran name, date of death, cause of death (active duty or SC)PII
The veteran must have died on active duty OR from a service-connected condition. Include the date, place, and cause of death.
(veteran's name, date of death, cause)
Common mistakes
- ×Assuming eligibility without checking - veterans who died from non-service-connected conditions do not qualify.
Section III - Prior SSA Benefits
Blocks 11-15SSA benefits you received and when they were terminated
Describe the SSA benefits you (or your child) received before the 1981 elimination. Include SSA award dates, benefit type, and when SSA terminated the benefits due to the legislative change.
e.g., SSA dependency benefits received 1976-1981; terminated August 1981 per Pub. L. 97-35.
Common mistakes
- ×No documentation of prior SSA benefits - VA needs this to verify REPS eligibility.
Section IV - Certification
Blocks 16-17Claimant signature and datePII
Sign and date under penalty of perjury.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Filing without consulting a VSO about eligibility.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1321 - Restored survivor benefits for those who lost SSA dependency benefits in 1981.