VA Form 21P-509: Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)
VA Form 21P-509 documents that a parent depends financially on a veteran. It supports adding a dependent parent to disability compensation, and it is how surviving parents show dependency for Parents' DIC.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 21P-509?
VA Form 21P-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), collects a detailed picture of a parent's household finances: monthly income from all sources, net worth, expenses, and who contributes to their support. VA uses it to decide whether the parent is financially dependent, which affects two benefits: a veteran with a qualifying disability rating can receive additional compensation for a dependent parent, and a parent of a veteran who died in service or from service-connected causes may qualify for Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
The form covers both natural and adoptive parents as well as foster parents who stood in the relationship of a parent to the veteran. The current edition is dated May 2024. Because the decision is income based, complete and accurate financial answers matter more here than on most VA forms.
Who files VA Form 21P-509?
- Veterans adding a financially dependent parent to their disability compensation award
- Parents of veterans who died on active duty or from service-connected conditions, claiming Parents' DIC
- Foster parents who stood in a parental relationship to the veteran before their service
- Beneficiaries updating VA when a dependent parent's financial situation changes
How to fill out VA Form 21P-509
- Fill in the veteran's identifying information and your relationship to the veteran.
- Complete the income sections for the parent, and spouse if living together: wages, Social Security, pensions, interest, and any other income.
- Report net worth and monthly expenses, and identify who contributes to the parent's support and how much.
- Sign and date the certification; both parents sign if both are claiming dependency.
- Submit the form through va.gov or mail it to the VA intake address in the form instructions, together with the related compensation or DIC claim.
Quick fill VA Form 21P-509 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open VA Form 21P-509 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
When does VA consider a parent "dependent"?
When the parent's income and net worth are not enough to cover reasonable living expenses without the veteran's support. VA looks at the full financial picture reported on this form, so answer the income and expense questions completely.
What disability rating do I need to add a dependent parent?
Veterans generally need a combined disability rating of at least 30 percent to receive additional compensation for any dependent, including a dependent parent. Check the current rules at va.gov if you are close to the threshold.
Does a foster parent count?
Yes, if the person stood in the relationship of a parent to the veteran for at least a year before the veteran's last entry into active service. The form asks about the nature and dates of that relationship.