What is VA Form 21-509?
VA Form 21-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), is essential for veterans looking to claim their parents as dependents for VA benefits. This form assists veterans who provide financial support to their parents, particularly if they receive compensation benefits due to a service-related disability. It's also applicable to parents of veterans who have passed away from service-related injuries or illnesses. By detailing the veteran's financial contributions and the parents' dependency status, the form helps ensure accurate eligibility for these valuable benefits.
What is VA Form 21-509 used for?
Form VA 21-509 is essential for certain veterans. It is used for the following purposes:
- Veterans Supporting Parents: To claim support for parents when the veteran has a service-connected disability rated at 30% or higher.
- Parents of Deceased Veterans: To help parents of veterans who died on active duty or due to service-related issues, as long as they meet specific criteria.
How to fill out VA Form 21-509?
- 1
Fill out personal information: Enter your name, address, and Social Security number.
- 2
Provide parent information: List your parents' names, addresses, and relationship to you.
- 3
Indicate dependency status: Check the boxes that apply to your dependency status.
- 4
Complete expense details: Detail the type of expense and dollar amounts for the last month and total for 12 months.
- 5
Review for accuracy: Confirm all questions are clearly and completely answered.
- 6
Attach additional information if needed: Use a separate sheet for extra details, indicating the relevant question.
Who is required to fill out VA Form 21-509?
Veterans financially supporting their parents, particularly those with a 30% or higher service-connected disability or enrolled in VA educational programs, are responsible for completing Form VA 21-509. Additionally, parents of deceased veterans under specific criteria may also need to fill out this form.
Form VA 21-509 is used by veterans to provide details about their dependent parents. It helps determine eligibility for benefits and supports claims for increased compensation. Accurate completion is essential for timely processing and securing necessary assistance.
When is VA Form 21-509 not required?
You don’t need to use Form VA 21-509 if you’re not claiming your parents as dependents for VA benefits. This applies when your parents aren’t financially dependent on you, or if you’re not receiving compensation benefits due to a service-connected disability of 30% or higher. Additionally, if your parent is not a veteran or didn’t die on active duty, the form is not necessary.
When is VA Form 21-509 due?
The deadline for Form VA 21-509 is not fixed. It should be submitted when a veteran claims their parents as dependents for VA benefits like compensation or education. Ensure the form is completed correctly and sent to the address specified on the form, either online or by mail.
How to get a blank VA Form 21-509?
To get a blank Form VA 21-509, simply visit our platform. The form is issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is readily available in our editor for you to fill out. Remember, our website helps with filling and downloading, but not filing forms.
How to sign Form VA 21-509?
To sign Form VA 21-509, use a handwritten signature in ink. If you choose to sign by (X), ensure that two witnesses, who know you personally, are present to observe your signature. Remember to check for the latest updates regarding signature requirements, as this information may change. After completing the form, you can fill it out using PDF Guru, download it, and handle submission separately, as our platform does not support that.
Where to file Form VA 21-509?
To submit Form VA 21-509, you can choose to send it online or by mail. For online submission, visit the VA's official website.
If you prefer mailing, use the address provided on the form. For further assistance, check the VA's directory for your nearest regional office.
