VA Form 21-674 — Request for Approval of School Attendance — allows a veteran to keep a child between 18 and 23 listed as a dependent on their VA disability benefits while that child is enrolled as a full-time student at an approved school.
Why VA Form 21-674 Matters
When a child on your VA benefits turns 18, the VA automatically removes them as a dependent unless you notify the VA they are still a full-time student. Without this form, you lose the additional monthly compensation for that child — immediately.
For veterans rated 30% or higher, keeping a school-age child on benefits is worth $30–$80+ per month. Over a four-year college career, that adds up to over $1,440 for one dependent alone.
Who Qualifies
- The child must be between 18 and 23 years old
- Enrolled as a full-time student
- At a VA-approved school (most accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools qualify)
Part-time enrollment does not qualify. If your child drops below full-time, notify the VA immediately.
How 21-674 Works with VA Form 21-686c
- VA Form 21-686c declares a dependent — it is how you add or remove someone from your benefits account.
- VA Form 21-674 specifically approves school attendance to keep a child on benefits past age 18.
If your child has never been added to your benefits, file both forms at the same time. If they were already on your benefits before turning 18, you mainly need 21-674 to continue their status.
When to File
File before your child turns 18 — or as close to that date as possible. The VA does not pay retroactively beyond the date it receives the form. Every month you wait is a month of dependent pay you cannot recover.
Situations Requiring a New Filing
- Your child transfers to a different school
- Their expected graduation date changes
- They stop attending and then re-enroll
- A new school year begins (refile annually)
How to Complete VA Form 21-674
- Download the form from va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-674/.
- Enter the veteran's information — full name, SSN, VA file number, address.
- Enter the student's information — name, date of birth, Social Security number.
- Identify the school — full name, address, and program type.
- Confirm full-time enrollment and expected graduation or completion date.
- Sign and date — the veteran must sign.
- Submit online through VA.gov for fastest processing.
What Happens If Your Child Leaves School
If your child drops out, goes part time, or graduates, notify the VA immediately. File a new VA Form 21-686c to remove the dependent. Failure to report can result in an overpayment debt the VA will collect by withholding future benefits.
Next Steps
- VA disability rating calculator — see how much a dependent increases your monthly pay
- VA Form 21-686c guide — add the dependent to your account first if not already done
- How to file a VA claim