2 answers
Madalyn
Student
French Lick, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How do I sign up for VA benefits as a dependent?
My dad is a disabled army veteran, and I'm eligible for VA (Veteran Affairs) benefits as his daughter. However, I am unsure how to go about becoming eligible and putting the benefits to use. I'll be starting school at Ozark Christian College in the fall of 2026. I'm eligible for the Pell Grant and Chapter 35 benefits. Do I have to be 18 to register for those? Also, what steps do I have to take to prove my enrollment, and how often will that be? Thanks!
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madalyn !
It is very important that when applying for Veterans Administration Benefits that you do it directly in person at the Veterans Administration office and not online. The representative will need to ask you several questions about your specific circumstances and will inform you as to the current way to apply. Do not rely on information about this online.
The closest Veterans Administration office near you is located at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bloomington, located at 455 S. Landmark Ave., Bloomington, IN. The phone number for this clinic is (812) 336-5723 or (877) 683-0865. Definitely call or visit for official information.
Ask the VA Representative about health care coverage. These benefits are called TRICARE for one benefit or the other benefit is called Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The representative will inform you as to which one is available at the time you visit or call. Your father's disability would have to be connected to a permanent and total disability due to a service connected condition in order to qualify.
Ask the representative about the education and training assistance. This is the Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance program. Again, these are for dependents of veterans that are disabled due to a service related disability. As it stands, you could receive these benefits for 36 months, that would be for three years, but double check this with the representative as they change this periodically.
For daughters who are under 18, between 18 and 23 and enrolled full time in an approved educational institution, or permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability established before age18, they may qualify as dependents for these benefits. The VA may require documentation such as a birth certificate, proof of enrollment, or medical records to verify eligibility. You can use your College ID or your registration receipt as proof of being enrolled in college. Verify this with the Veterans Administration.
So, you can receive Veterans Benefits if you are a dependent child, meet age and dependency requirements, and the veteran meets the necessary service and disability criteria. You can ask about age requirements from the VA Representative.
Think about applying for Scholarships and Grants to help out with college, too. Ask the Veterans Administration Representative about Disabled American Veterans Scholarship, The Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program and for the scholarships based on the branch of service your father was in. The other scholarships depend on different criteria so look up the veteran connected scholarships by doing a search online. There are many but have specific qualifiers.
I hope this helps and I urge you to connect directly with the Veterans Administration about this for the most accurate and up to date information Best wishes in all you do !
It is very important that when applying for Veterans Administration Benefits that you do it directly in person at the Veterans Administration office and not online. The representative will need to ask you several questions about your specific circumstances and will inform you as to the current way to apply. Do not rely on information about this online.
The closest Veterans Administration office near you is located at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bloomington, located at 455 S. Landmark Ave., Bloomington, IN. The phone number for this clinic is (812) 336-5723 or (877) 683-0865. Definitely call or visit for official information.
Ask the VA Representative about health care coverage. These benefits are called TRICARE for one benefit or the other benefit is called Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The representative will inform you as to which one is available at the time you visit or call. Your father's disability would have to be connected to a permanent and total disability due to a service connected condition in order to qualify.
Ask the representative about the education and training assistance. This is the Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance program. Again, these are for dependents of veterans that are disabled due to a service related disability. As it stands, you could receive these benefits for 36 months, that would be for three years, but double check this with the representative as they change this periodically.
For daughters who are under 18, between 18 and 23 and enrolled full time in an approved educational institution, or permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability established before age18, they may qualify as dependents for these benefits. The VA may require documentation such as a birth certificate, proof of enrollment, or medical records to verify eligibility. You can use your College ID or your registration receipt as proof of being enrolled in college. Verify this with the Veterans Administration.
So, you can receive Veterans Benefits if you are a dependent child, meet age and dependency requirements, and the veteran meets the necessary service and disability criteria. You can ask about age requirements from the VA Representative.
Think about applying for Scholarships and Grants to help out with college, too. Ask the Veterans Administration Representative about Disabled American Veterans Scholarship, The Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program and for the scholarships based on the branch of service your father was in. The other scholarships depend on different criteria so look up the veteran connected scholarships by doing a search online. There are many but have specific qualifiers.
I hope this helps and I urge you to connect directly with the Veterans Administration about this for the most accurate and up to date information Best wishes in all you do !
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1828
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Madalyn,
It's important, if possible, to have open communications with your father during this process.
In many/most (?) places, the VA has delegated its responsibilities under these programs to VSO's - Veterans Services Officers. You can find them affiliated with VFW posts, State Workforce Offices, or working independently. Please do NOT pay anyone to assist you - these services are available for free. You can also check with your school - many have Veteran's Affairs offices.
As the daughter of a disabled servicemember, you are every bit as special as the Veteran themselves. People trained to help you navigate this process will understand the difficulties in understanding a bureaucratic system, and help you with it. It will help if you are organized: Have a folder with your important paperwork: Dad's DD214 and service award letter, showing disability rating and effective date; your birth certificate, HS diploma, etc.
Once approved, it's important to become familiar with the rules. Know who to contact if you have problems/questions.
Best of luck!
Kim
It's important, if possible, to have open communications with your father during this process.
In many/most (?) places, the VA has delegated its responsibilities under these programs to VSO's - Veterans Services Officers. You can find them affiliated with VFW posts, State Workforce Offices, or working independently. Please do NOT pay anyone to assist you - these services are available for free. You can also check with your school - many have Veteran's Affairs offices.
As the daughter of a disabled servicemember, you are every bit as special as the Veteran themselves. People trained to help you navigate this process will understand the difficulties in understanding a bureaucratic system, and help you with it. It will help if you are organized: Have a folder with your important paperwork: Dad's DD214 and service award letter, showing disability rating and effective date; your birth certificate, HS diploma, etc.
Once approved, it's important to become familiar with the rules. Know who to contact if you have problems/questions.
Best of luck!
Kim