VA Form 21-0788: Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary's Award
VA Form 21-0788 collects the financial information VA needs to decide whether part of a beneficiary's VA payment should be apportioned to a spouse, child, or dependent parent.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 21-0788?
VA Form 21-0788, Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary's Award, is used when a claimant asks VA to pay part of a veteran's or other beneficiary's benefit directly to a dependent. Apportionment is typically sought by a spouse who is not living with the veteran, a custodian of the veteran's children, or a dependent parent, when the beneficiary is not reasonably supporting that dependent.
The form gathers income, assets, and monthly expenses for the person requesting apportionment, because VA weighs financial need against hardship to the beneficiary. Both the claimant and the beneficiary may be asked to complete the form so VA can compare circumstances before deciding.
Who files VA Form 21-0788?
- Spouses not living with a veteran who are requesting part of the veteran's VA benefits
- Custodians of a veteran's children seeking support from the veteran's award
- Dependent parents requesting apportionment of a benefit
- Beneficiaries responding to an apportionment claim against their award
How to fill out VA Form 21-0788
- Enter the beneficiary's name and file number, plus your own identifying information.
- State your relationship to the beneficiary and who lives in your household.
- Complete the income, asset, and monthly expense sections accurately.
- Sign and date the certification.
- Submit the form online, upload it through va.gov, or mail it to the VA Claims Intake Center address in the form instructions.
Quick fill VA Form 21-0788 on this page
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Frequently asked questions
Who can receive an apportionment?
Generally a spouse, child, or dependent parent of the beneficiary who is not living with the beneficiary and not being reasonably supported. VA decides based on need and on the hardship an apportionment would cause the beneficiary.
Does the veteran get to respond to an apportionment claim?
Yes. VA notifies the beneficiary of the claim and typically asks both sides for financial information, often on this same form, before making a decision that either side can appeal.