I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard this:
“I didn’t even know I was eligible for anything.”
Whether it’s a spouse, child, or adult dependent, too many families of veterans go years—sometimes decades—without realizing they qualify for benefits tied directly to their loved one’s service.
And I don’t blame them. The information isn’t exactly handed out.
So here’s a quick rundown of who might qualify for benefits as a dependent—and where to start looking:
If you’re a child of a veteran, you may be eligible for:
- Education benefits like Chapter 35 (DEA), if the veteran is rated 100% P&T or passed away due to service-connected conditions
- CHAMPVA healthcare coverage (not TRICARE), if the veteran cannot access DoD-sponsored care
- Survivor benefits, if the veteran has passed and you meet age and marital status requirements
If you’re a spouse or former spouse of a veteran, you might qualify for:
- Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, if the veteran elected to transfer them before separation
- Educational assistance (DEA/Chapter 35) if the veteran is deceased or rated 100% P&T
- Healthcare under CHAMPVA if you’re not eligible for TRICARE
- Survivor benefits, including possible monthly payments or housing assistance
If you’re a caregiver or family member providing support, you could qualify under caregiver-specific programs (we’ll cover that in a separate section), but it’s worth checking whether the veteran’s rating opens additional benefits for household dependents.
The truth is, most people don’t ask the eligibility question until long after they’ve missed opportunities.
Don’t wait.
Ask the question now: Am I even eligible?
Then ask again: Where do I go to find out for sure?
Issue #3 of FTV|BTV Magazine—Survivors, Dependents, and Caregivers—is coming this Summer.
It takes a deeper dive into benefits for those often left out of the conversation. If you’re part of a veteran’s family, it’s worth a read.
Because you’re not invisible.
You just deserve better guidance than what’s out there right now.
