VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance, is used when claiming certain VA benefits for a veteran's child who is at least 18 but under 23 and attending school. It helps VA evaluate the child's school attendance and eligibility as a dependent. The current form and instructions are provided by VA.
Official form: VA Form 21-674 - download or begin the online pathway.
When might you need VA Form 21-674?
VA generally removes a child from dependency benefits at age 18 unless an eligible basis for continued dependency is established. A child between 18 and 23 who is unmarried and attending school full time may qualify as a dependent under VA disability compensation rules. If that child remains in school after age 18, VA may require the relevant school-attendance information. Eligibility depends on the benefit and specific circumstances.
For additional VA disability compensation for dependents, VA says the veteran must have a combined disability rating of at least 30% and otherwise meet the requirements. This is not a promise of payment for every student: see VA's official dependent eligibility guide.
How to complete the request
Option A - online: VA instructs users who want to submit Form 21-674 online to begin in the VA Form 21-686c workflow, choose the option to add a child 18 to 23 who will be attending school, and complete the school-attendance questions that follow. Follow the current guidance on VA's Form 21-674 page.
Option B - paper: Download Form 21-674 from VA.gov, complete it using the instructions included with the current PDF, and submit it to the relevant VA intake address or channel described in the official form. Do not rely on an old copy of the PDF or an unverified mailing address.
Information the form asks about
VA's form asks for the veteran or claimant's identifying information, the student's identity and date of birth, and school attendance details such as term dates, expected graduation, and certain other benefits or federally supported education programs. Answer the questions based on actual circumstances and the current form instructions. A separate form may be needed for each student.
For filing, use the official VA service directly. VA Pay Calc does not collect student Social Security numbers, submit VA claims, or determine dependency eligibility.
Difference between Forms 21-674, 21-674b and 21-686c
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 21-674 | Request approval of a child’s school attendance for relevant VA benefits |
| 21-674b | Report a change in school-attendance status, such as leaving school or marriage, as instructed by VA |
| 21-686c | Add or remove dependents; this is also the online starting point for school-attendance requests involving 21-674 |
These forms have different purposes. Do not treat them as interchangeable or automatically submit all of them without reviewing VA's directions.
How does this affect your VA compensation amount?
Dependent additions can change the monthly compensation amount for an eligible veteran. The exact amount varies by combined rating, applicable rate year and dependent configuration. The presence of a child attending school does not automatically mean VA has approved that child as a dependent.
You can use our free VA Disability Calculator to explore rating and dependent-payment scenarios, then compare with the VA Disability Pay Tables. These estimates are not an official VA entitlement determination.
Frequently asked questions
Is Form 21-674 required when my child turns 18?
If you want VA to consider continued dependent benefits based on qualifying school attendance, VA instructs you to submit the appropriate school-attendance information. Follow the current Form 21-674 guidance and your specific benefit program.
What if my child leaves school or gets married?
VA instructs families to report changes affecting dependent status. VA Form 21-674b is a School Attendance Report for certain changes; use the current VA guidance to make the correct update promptly.
Can I file Form 21-674 online?
Yes. VA directs applicants to the online dependent form 21-686c pathway, with the appropriate school-age child option.
What if my disability rating is below 30%?
For additional disability compensation based on dependents, VA lists a combined rating of at least 30% among its eligibility requirements. Other VA programs follow their own benefit-specific rules.
Where is the latest PDF?
Use VA's official Form 21-674 listing. Verify the date and instructions before filing.
Related VA Pay Calc resources
- Free VA Disability Calculator - ratings and dependents
- VA Disability Compensation Rates
- VA Forms Library
- VA Disability Payment Dates