VA Form 21-674 (Request for Approval of School Attendance) keeps a child aged 18 to 23 counted as a dependent on your VA disability award while they're enrolled in an approved school. Normally a child drops off your award at 18 — this form continues the added compensation through their schooling.
Why it matters
If you're rated 30% or higher, dependents add to your monthly payment. When a child turns 18, the dependent benefit for them stops unless they're a full-time student and you file the 21-674.
When to file
- •When your child turns 18 and continues in an approved school.
- •At the start of each school term/year the VA needs verified (the form captures the school and expected dates).
What you'll need
- •The school's information and your child's expected start and end dates.
- •Often the school certifies attendance on the form.
Related
To first add a child as a dependent (before the school question even comes up), you use VA Form 21-686c. The 21-674 is specifically the continuation once they're 18–23 and in school.
Tip
File promptly when the child turns 18 — a gap can interrupt the dependent payment and create paperwork to restore it.
VA forms mentioned in this guide
Put this to work
See how a dependent child changes your monthly VA compensation at your rating level.
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This guide is educational information about the VA claims system — it is not legal or medical advice, and it does not predict or promise any claim outcome. Regulations and procedures change; always verify current requirements at VA.gov. VA Claim Commander is a self-service documentation tool, not a VSO, law firm, or VA-accredited representative.