Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating receive increased monthly compensation for dependents, including spouses and children. While CHAMPVA isn’t typically available at this level, extra perks for veterans with a 60% rating can include caregiver stipends, state education benefits, and potential back pay for unlisted dependents. Adding dependents properly is key to unlocking these entitlements. Some benefits expand if the rating becomes Permanent & Total (P&T), offering even more support for families.
So what does 60% VA disability get you for your dependents?
First, let’s talk dollars, because that’s what usually keeps people up at night.
When you hit that 60% VA disability rating, your monthly compensation increases when you’ve got dependents. Big win.
Here’s what that looks like today (2024 numbers):
| Dependent Situation | Monthly VA Compensation (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone (60%) | $1,316.94 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,419.94 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | $1,514.94 |
| Each additional child under 18 | + $64 |
| Each child over 18 in school | + $208 |
Now, this isn’t a treasure chest but it ain’t nothing either. Over time, that adds up.
If you’ve got a few kids or a spouse who’s home full-time helping you out, this monthly bump sure isn’t charity—it’s earned.
Add Dependents To Your VA Disability Claim the Right Way
This is where most people mess up. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean VA automatically knows about them.
To get that dependent pay, you gotta officially add them to your claim.
Here’s how:
- Log into your VA.gov account
- Click on the “Family” tab
- Click “Add a Dependent”
- Submit all docs—birth certs, marriage licenses, etc.
I’ve helped people who were owed backpay for YEARS because they didn’t add their kids until someone told them.
This could be thousands of dollars you’re missing out on. Don’t be that guy.
Can You Get CHAMPVA or TRICARE With 60% VA Disability?
Here’s the honest truth—CHAMPVA sounds awesome, but it’s not for everybody.
You or your fam only qualify for CHAMPVA when:
- You’re rated 100% P&T (Permanent & Total disability)
- Or—you died from a service-connected disability
So at 60% VA disability, your fam doesn’t get to use CHAMPVA or TRICARE just yet. But—there is one side door you might be missing…
VA Health Care MAY Still Cover Some Family Needs
If you’re in the VA Medical system and you rely heavily on your spouse or family as your caregivers, there’s a thing called:
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
This is big. Your spouse or child may qualify to be your paid caregiver, and that opens up access to:
- Stipend payments
- Training and mental health support
- CHAMPVA for the caregiver
But only if your condition is service-connected, seriously disabling, and you need help with daily stuff like dressing or managing meds.
Could be the lifeline your family didn’t know existed. Worth checking out, 100%.
60% VA Disability Means Dependent Education Benefits? Sometimes.
This one’s tricky, because we only start talking serious education benefits for family when you hit the 100% mark OR qualify under Chapter 35.
But here’s a shortcut some people don’t realize:
- If your 60% VA disability eventually becomes P&T, THEN Chapter 35 kicks in for your spouse/kids
- Until then, you gotta pursue state-specific veteran education programs
States like Texas, Florida, and Virginia have sweet tuition perks for dependents of disabled vets—even if you’re at 60%.
Here’s a full list of state veteran programs that could help
Don’t skip out on that just because it doesn’t come from the VA itself. The states hook up families too.
FAQs
Does my spouse get VA benefits at my 60% rating?
If you’re rated at 60% and married, you DO get extra compensation every month for your spouse.
Can I add my kids to my VA disability benefits at 60%?
Yes! You should. You’ll get extra pay for each child under 18 and even more if they’re over 18 and in school. Don’t miss it.
At 60% can my spouse get free medical care?
Not normally. CHAMPVA typically kicks in at 100% P&T. But under the caregiver program, there are ways your spouse might qualify. Ask a VSO.
Do I get back pay if I forget to add a dependent?
Yep. VA can pay you back to the date you should have been getting paid—if you file within one year of a life event (like birth or marriage).
Can my parents be qualified as dependents at 60%?
Only if you support them financially and they meet the income threshold. Not common, but possible.
Where can I get more help on 60% VA disability benefits?
Check out the full vault of info at realpha’s blog — we’ve got hacks that no one else talks about.
More on 60% VA disability and family perks spilling in part 2—I’ll hit on tax breaks, home loan boosts, and how the 60% rating affects your future financially. 60% VA disability holds more weight than you think—especially if your family’s in the mix.
Conclusion:
A 60% VA disability rating unlocks meaningful financial support for veterans and their families, including increased monthly compensation for dependents and potential back pay. While full benefits like CHAMPVA require a 100% P&T rating, extra perks for veterans with a 60% rating—like caregiver stipends and state education programs—can still make a real impact. To fully benefit, veterans must actively add dependents to their claim and explore both VA and state-level resources.