Many veterans support aging parents but don’t realize the VA may recognize that responsibility through additional monthly compensation. One of the biggest concerns I hear as a Veteran Service Representative is:
“Will my parent lose Social Security if I claim them with the VA?”
The short answer is no — and below I’ll explain exactly how this benefit works, who qualifies, and how Social Security fits into the picture.
What Does It Mean to Claim a Parent With the VA?
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher may be eligible to claim a parent as a dependent if that parent is financially dependent on them.
Eligible parents may include:
- Biological parents
- Adoptive parents
- Foster parents (who stood in loco parentis before age 21)
If approved, the VA provides additional monthly compensation to the veteran — not to the parent directly.
Does Claiming a Parent Cancel or Stop Social Security?
No. Claiming a parent with the VA does NOT cancel, stop, or reduce Social Security benefits.
This is one of the most important things veterans and families need to understand.
Why?
Because:
- Social Security (SSA) and VA benefits are separate federal programs
- The VA does not control Social Security
- Filing a VA dependency claim does not notify SSA
Your parent will continue receiving:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security disability benefits (SSDI)
- Survivor benefits (if applicable)
👉 Social Security is counted — not canceled.
How Social Security Is Used in a VA Dependency Claim
While Social Security is not affected, it is considered when the VA determines financial dependency.
The VA reviews:
- Social Security income
- Pensions or retirement income
- Interest or other income
- Assets and net worth
- Medical expenses (which can lower countable income)
💡 Important note:
Medical expenses can significantly help a dependency claim. Always report them.
Do Parents Have to Live With the Veteran?
No.
A parent does not have to live with the veteran to be claimed as a dependent.
What matters is:
- Financial support
- Income vs. expenses
- Overall financial dependency
Required VA Form to Claim a Parent
Veterans must submit:
VA Form 21P-509
Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)
This form includes:
- Parent’s income (including Social Security)
- Medical expenses
- Assets and net worth
- Proof of relationship and support
📌 Accuracy matters. Missing or incorrect income details can delay or deny the claim.
How to Submit the Claim
You can submit VA Form 21P-509:
- With an accredited Veterans Service Representative (VSR)
- By mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center
- With supporting documentation (recommended)
Common supporting documents:
- Social Security award letters
- Medical expense statements
- Proof of relationship
- Financial support documentation
Common Myths That Stop Veterans From Applying
❌ “My parent will lose Social Security”
❌ “If VA denies it, SSA will be affected”
❌ “I shouldn’t apply if my parent gets SSA”
✅ None of these are true.
The worst-case outcome is a VA denial, not a loss of Social Security.
Why This Benefit Matters
Many veterans quietly support parents with:
- Housing
- Medical costs
- Daily living expenses
This benefit exists to recognize that responsibility — but only if veterans know about it and apply correctly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re supporting a parent and meet the VA rating requirement, don’t self-disqualify. Social Security does not disappear, and dependency claims are reviewed individually based on income and expenses.
When in doubt, work with a VSR who can help ensure the claim is accurate, complete, and properly supported.
Helpful Resources
- VA Dependency Information
https://www.va.gov/view-change-dependents/ - VA Form 21P-509
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-509/ - VA Evidence Intake Center
https://www.va.gov/disability/upload-supporting-evidence/
Do you need a VSO/VSR?
Video appointments are available!
To request a video appointment, please call the office or send
an email to Barbara.Sotorodriguez@dvs.virginia.gov.
In-person appointments available at the Virginia
Department of Veteran Services – Springfield Benefits Office.
VDVS – https://vesa.dvs.virginia.gov/
Until next time, take care and keep shining! 👋🏽✌🏽🐝✨
This blog has been made for educational purposes. I used ChatGPT by OpenAI to assist with the development.
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