Edit VA Form 21-686c online free, or download the PDF
VA Add or Remove Dependents Form: Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
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VA Form 21-686c in short
VA Form 21-686c is used to claim additional VA benefits for a dependent or to ask VA to remove a dependent from your award. Examples are adding a spouse or child, or reporting a divorce, a death, or a child's marriage. The PDF has 6 pages of instructions followed by the application. VA also offers an online version.
| Issued by | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration |
|---|---|
| Current version | Rev. August 2025 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | VA beneficiaries who may get added benefits for dependents. The form lists veterans with disability compensation and a combined rating of at least 30 percent, veterans receiving Veterans Pension, and surviving spouses receiving survivors benefits (for children). |
| Who receives it | VA, at the Evidence Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin. |
| Where to send it | Online: VA's form page says you can submit your request online instead of mailing the paper form. The form also lists Direct Upload via access.va.gov. By mail: Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. |
| Deadline | The form does not set a deadline. VA's form page notes that VA automatically removes children from benefits when they turn 18, so a child who stays in school past 18 needs to be submitted again (with VA Form 21-674). |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
What changed
The AUG 2025 edition supersedes the AUG 2022 edition, as printed on the form. VA did not publish a list of changes.
How to fill out VA Form 21-686c, line by line
| Section I, items 1 to 10 | Veteran/claimant identification Veteran's name, SSN, VA file number, date of birth, claimant name and SSN if not the veteran, service number, phone, email, and mailing address. The form says this section must be completed. |
| Section II, items 11 to 15 | Adding a spouse Spouse's name, date of birth, SSN, date and place of marriage, whether the spouse is a veteran, whether you live together, and full details of all prior marriages for you and your spouse. |
| Section III, items 16 to 19 | Adding children For each child: name, SSN, date and place of birth, who the child lives with if not with you, and status (biological, adopted, stepchild, 18 to 23 and in school, permanently incapable of self-support, previously married). For more than four children, use the addendum on page 15. |
| Section IV, item 20 | Reporting a divorce Former spouse's name and the place and date of divorce. |
| Section V, item 21 | Stepchildren Whether you had stepchildren with the former spouse, whether you still support them, where they live, and how much support you provide. |
| Sections VI to VIII, items 22 to 24 | Death, child's marriage, school stopped Report the death of a dependent, the marriage of a child, or a schoolchild over 18 who stopped attending school, with names and dates. |
| Section IX, item 25 | Remarks Extra information, such as why a dependent has no SSN or the date a child was given up for adoption. |
| Section X, items 26A and 26B | Certification and signature The veteran signs unless the claimant is the surviving spouse or an alternate signer. The form lists who can be an alternate signer. The signature is required. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving Section I or Section X blank. The form says VA cannot process the claim without them.
- Leaving out SSNs for the claimant or dependents. The form says to give them unless one has not been assigned, and to explain in item 25.
- Not listing all prior marriages for both you and your spouse. The form says complete information is needed.
- Using only this form for a child aged 18 to 23 in school. The form says VA Form 21-674 is needed for that child.
- Using this form for a dependent parent. The form says to use VA Form 21P-509 and that 21-686c is not needed for that.
- Not sending extra evidence when the form calls for it, such as adoption papers for an adopted child or the forms for a common-law marriage.
Questions about VA Form 21-686c
Can I add dependents to my VA benefits online?
Yes. VA's form page says you can submit your request online instead of filling out and sending the paper form.
What disability rating do I need to get added benefits for dependents?
The form says veterans entitled to disability compensation need a combined disability rating of at least 30 percent.
Do I need another form for a child in college?
Yes. For a child between 18 and 23 who is attending school, the form says to submit VA Form 21-674.
Do I have to report a separation from my spouse?
The form says veterans receiving disability compensation are not required to report a separation or estrangement, as it has no effect on the award. A divorce or death must be reported.
Where do I mail VA Form 21-686c?
The form gives Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Who can sign for the veteran?
The form lists alternate signers, such as a court-appointed representative, an attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney, or a person responsible for the claimant's care, when the claimant is under 18, mentally incompetent, or physically unable to sign.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.