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The VA Form 21-0538 serves a vital purpose in the management of veteran benefits, specifically regarding the verification and eligibility assessment of dependents. Designed for simplicity, this form aims to confirm any status changes in the veteran's dependents that may affect financial support allowances. The form is comprised of several sections that request crucial information, including the veteran's identification details, updated dependent status, and certifications regarding spouse and children's situations. Applicants are required to state whether their dependents' statuses have changed, which could include circumstances such as marriage, death, or adoption. Importantly, this form helps streamline the verification process, assisting the Department of Veterans Affairs in determining ongoing entitlement to benefits. With a respondent burden estimated at just ten minutes, it is both accessible and straightforward. Veterans can complete this form either online or by hand and are provided with clear mailing instructions, ensuring that the submission process remains efficient. For those seeking further assistance, resources are available via the VA website or through their dedicated hotline.

Va 21 0538 Example

OMB Approved No. 2900-0500

Respondent Burden: 10 Minutes

Expiration Date: 02/29/2024

VA DATE STAMP

(DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE)

MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS

INSTRUCTIONS: Before completing this form, read the Privacy Act and Respondent Burden on page 2. We use this form to determine continued eligibility to the additional allowance for dependents. For more information, contact us at https://iris.custhelp.va.gov, or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. If you use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the Federal relay number is 711. VA forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms. After completing the form, mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs,

Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI, 53547-4444.

SECTION I: VETERAN'S IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

NOTE: You may complete the form online or by hand. If completed by hand, print the information requested in ink, neatly and legibly, insert one letter per box, and completely fill in each applicable circle to help expedite processing of the form.

1. VETERAN'S NAME (First, Middle Initial, Last)

2. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

3. VA FILE NUMBER (If applicable)

4. DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY)

5. CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS (Number and street or rural route, P.O. Box, City, State, ZIP Code and Country)

No. &

Street

 

Apt./Unit Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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State/Province

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZIP Code/Postal Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. E-MAIL ADDRESS

I agree to receive electronic correspondence from VA in regards to my claim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter International Phone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(If applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION II: STATUS CERTIFICATION

 

 

 

8. HAS THE STATUS OF YOUR DEPENDENT(S) CHANGED?

 

 

 

YES

 

 

 

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

oIf "Yes," complete the section below that refers to the dependent(s) whose status has changed. o If "No," sign this form (Section V) and disregard the remaining sections of this form.

NOTE: If you have additional dependents not listed on the letter attached to this form, complete and submit VA Form 21-686c, Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents, and if claiming a child aged 18-23 years and in school, complete VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. VA forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms.

SECTION III: CHANGE IN SPOUSE STATUS

9. HOW DID STATUS CHANGE?

 

DATE ENDED (MM/DD/YYYY):

REASON MARRIAGE ENDED

 

 

MARRIAGE ENDED

 

Annulment

Divorce

Declared Void

DEATH

DATE OF DEATH (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

SECTION IV: CHANGE IN CHILD(REN)'S STATUS

NOTE: If your child has been adopted out of your family, input the date the adoption was finalized. If you have more than four children whose status has changed, use a separate VA Form 21-0538.

10A. CHILD'S NAME

 

10B. HOW STATUS CHANGED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEATH OF CHILD

DATE OF DEATH (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE OF CHILD

DATE OF MARRIAGE (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADOPTION OUT OF FAMILY

DATE OF ADOPTION (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Do not fill in the next circle if you live apart from the stepchild but are still providing at least half of the child's support or if you live apart from the stepchild because of medical reasons or because you or the child are incarcerated, attending school, or fulfilling a military service obligation.

STEPCHILD IS NO LONGER A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD

LAST DATE STEPCHILD WAS A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD (MM/DD/YYYY):

VA FORM 21-0538, FEB 2021

SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-0538, SEP 2020.

Page 1

VETERAN'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION IV: CHANGE IN CHILD(REN)'S STATUS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11A. CHILD'S NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11B. HOW STATUS CHANGED

 

 

 

DEATH OF CHILD

DATE OF DEATH (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE OF CHILD

DATE OF MARRIAGE (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADOPTION OUT OF FAMILY

DATE OF ADOPTION (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Do not fill in the next circle if you live apart from the stepchild but are still providing at least half of the child's support or if you live apart from the stepchild because of medical reasons or because you or the child are incarcerated, attending school, or fulfilling a military service obligation.

STEPCHILD IS NO LONGER A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD

LAST DATE STEPCHILD WAS A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD (MM/DD/YYYY):

12A. CHILD'S NAME

 

12B. HOW STATUS CHANGED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEATH OF CHILD

DATE OF DEATH (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE OF CHILD

DATE OF MARRIAGE (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADOPTION OUT OF FAMILY

DATE OF ADOPTION (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Do not fill in the next circle if you live apart from the stepchild but are still providing at least half of the child's support or if you live apart from the stepchild because of medical reasons or because you or the child are incarcerated, attending school, or fulfilling a military service obligation.

LAST DATE STEPCHILD WAS A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD (MM/DD/YYYY):

STEPCHILD IS NO LONGER

A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD

13A. CHILD'S NAME

13B. HOW STATUS CHANGED

DEATH OF CHILD

DATE OF DEATH (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE OF CHILD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MARRIAGE (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADOPTION OUT OF FAMILY

DATE OF ADOPTION (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Do not fill in the next circle if you live apart from the stepchild but are still providing at least half of the child's support or if you live apart from the stepchild because of medical reasons or because you or the child are incarcerated, attending school, or fulfilling a military service obligation.

STEPCHILD IS NO LONGER A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD

LAST DATE STEPCHILD WAS A MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD (MM/DD/YYYY):

SECTION V: CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT the information I have given on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

14A. SIGNATURE OF VETERAN (REQUIRED)

14B. DATE SIGNED (MM/DD/YYYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PENALTY - The law provides severe penalties which include fine or imprisonment, or both, for the willful submission of any statement or evidence of a material fact, knowing it to be false, or for the fraudulent acceptance of any payment to which you are not entitled.

PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: The VA will not disclose information collected on this form to any source other than what has been authorized under the Privacy Act of 1974 or Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations 1.526 for routine uses (i.e., civil or criminal law enforcement, congressional communications, epidemiological or research studies, the collection of money owed to the United States, litigation in which the United States is a party or has an interest, the administration of VA programs and delivery of VA benefits, verification of identity and status, and personnel administration) as identified in the VA system of records, 58VA21/22/28 Compensation, Pension, Education, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records - VA, published in the Federal Register. Your obligation to respond is required to obtain or retain benefits. You must give us your and your dependents SSN account information. Applicants are required to provide their SSN and the SSN of any dependents for whom benefits are claimed under Title 38 U.S.C. 5101 (c) (1). The VA will not deny an individual benefits for refusing to provide his or her SSN unless the disclosure of the SSN is required by Federal Statute of law in effect prior to January 1, 1975, and still in effect. Information that you furnish may be utilized in computer matching programs with other Federal or state agencies for the purpose of determining your eligibility to receive VA benefits, as well as to collect any amount owed to the United States by virtue of your participation in any benefit program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

RESPONDENT BURDEN: We need this information to determine continued eligibility for an additional allowance for your spouse and/or child(ren). 38 U.S.C. 1115, Title 38, United States Code, allows us to ask for this information. We estimate that you will need an average of 10 minutes to review the instructions, find the information and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed. Valid OMB control numbers can be located on the OMB Internet page at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain If desired, you may call 1-800-827-1000 to get information on where to send comments or suggestions about this form.

VA FORM 21-0538, FEB 2021

Page 2
Get Va 21 0538 PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
OMB Approval This form has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under number 2900-0500.
Respondent Burden It is estimated that it will take approximately 10 minutes for respondents to complete this form.
Expiration Date This form is set to expire on February 29, 2024.
Purpose The form is used to verify the status of dependents for continued eligibility for additional allowances.
Governing Law Requirements for this form stem from 38 U.S.C. 1115, which governs the entitlement to additional allowances for dependents.

Guidelines on Utilizing Va 21 0538

Completing the VA Form 21-0538 involves a straightforward process. This form plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for additional allowances related to dependents. It is important to ensure all sections are filled accurately to facilitate processing.

  1. Begin with Section I: Veteran's Identification Information.
  2. Enter your Name (First, Middle Initial, Last) in the designated spaces.
  3. Provide your Social Security Number.
  4. If applicable, fill in your VA File Number.
  5. Input your Date of Birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  6. Fill out your current Mailing Address, including street, city, state, and ZIP Code.
  7. Include your Telephone Number along with the area code.
  8. Optionally, provide your E-mail Address and indicate if you agree to receive electronic correspondence from VA.
  1. Move to Section II: Status Certification and indicate if the status of your dependent(s) has changed by answering Yes or No.
  2. If you answered Yes, complete the subsequent sections as needed. If No, proceed to sign the form in Section V.
  1. In Section III: Change in Spouse Status, specify the reason for the change in spouse status and provide the Date Ended.
  2. For changes related to children, fill out Section IV for each child whose status has changed:
  3. List the child's Name, explain how the status changed, and provide relevant dates for death, marriage, or adoption.
  1. If needed, repeat the steps for each additional child, ensuring to detail their changes in status.
  2. Proceed to Section V: Certification and Signature. Sign the form and include the Date Signed.

After completing all sections, ensure all information is clear and legible. Mail the form to the provided address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI, 53547-4444.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of VA Form 21-0538?

This form is used to verify the status of dependents for veterans. It determines eligibility for additional allowances related to dependents. If a veteran has changes in their dependent status, this form must be completed to update the VA records accordingly.

Who needs to fill out the VA Form 21-0538?

Veterans who have dependents and have experienced any changes in their dependent status should complete this form. This includes changes like marriage, divorce, or the adoption of children. If a veteran has no changes to report, they can sign the form and disregard the remaining sections.

What information is required on VA Form 21-0538?

The form requires personal information about the veteran, including their name, social security number, VA file number, date of birth, current mailing address, and contact details. It also asks for details about the dependent(s) whose status has changed, including their names and the specific nature of the changes.

How should the form be submitted after completion?

Once the form is filled out, it should be mailed to the Department of Veterans Affairs at the designated address in Janesville, Wisconsin. Make sure to check that all sections are correctly completed to expedite processing. Veterans can also complete the form online if preferred.

What happens if I do not submit VA Form 21-0538?

Failure to submit this form when there are changes in dependent status may affect a veteran's eligibility for additional allowances. The VA relies on accurate and current information to administer benefits. Hence, timely submission is essential for maintaining these benefits.

How long does it take to complete the VA Form 21-0538?

The estimated time to complete this form is about 10 minutes. This includes reviewing the instructions, gathering the necessary information, and filling out the form. Ensure that all information is clear and accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Common mistakes

Filling out the VA Form 21-0538 can appear straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that many individuals encounter. Understanding these mistakes can prevent delays and ensure accurate submissions. One frequent error is failing to provide the veteran's complete identification information. Each section requires specific details such as full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Omitting any of this critical information can lead to processing delays or even rejection of the form.

Another common mistake involves not updating changes related to dependents accurately. Section II focuses on changes in dependent status. If the veteran answers "yes" to a change in status but fails to provide corresponding details, the form becomes incomplete. Additionally, overlooking the requirement to complete additional forms for new dependents can hinder processing. For example, if a child is added or removed, it is necessary to submit extra documentation using VA Form 21-686c.

Legibility also plays a crucial role in the submission process. Those who choose to complete the form by hand may neglect the instruction to print neatly and legibly. Illegible handwriting can result in misunderstandings or miscommunication about the details submitted, prompting a request for clarification from the VA.

Section V requires a signature and date, which can sometimes be an afterthought. However, forgetting to sign or date the form can result in it being returned as incomplete. This requirement is essential for ensuring that the veteran acknowledges the accuracy of the information provided.

Moreover, individuals often fail to review the Privacy Act notice. Understanding how personal information will be used is vital. Any concerns about privacy or data sharing should be addressed before submission to avoid surprises down the line.

Missing deadlines constitutes another significant error. The expiration date listed at the top of the form indicates how long the document remains valid. Ensuring the form is mailed in time is crucial, as delays could lead to complications in benefits entitlement.

Lastly, some individuals neglect to keep copies of their submissions. Having a record of what was sent can be invaluable for reference in the future, especially if there are questions or issues about the claim later on. Maintaining organized records helps smooth the process and ensures that every step is traceable.

Documents used along the form

The VA Form 21-0538 is a crucial document used by veterans to verify the status of their dependents for benefits. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to support the application or update the information regarding dependents. Below is a list of some commonly used forms that relate to the VA Form 21-0538. These documents help in ensuring a smooth process for veterans and their families.

  • VA Form 21-686c: This form is used to add or remove dependents from a veteran's benefits claim. It must be completed whenever there's a change in dependent status, such as marriage, divorce, or death.
  • VA Form 21-674: This is a request for approval of a child's school attendance. It's specifically for children aged 18 to 23 who are still in school and may affect the veteran's benefits.
  • VA Form 21-4138: Known as the Statement in Support of Claim, this document is used to provide additional information to support a claim. It can help clarify details about a dependent's new status.
  • VA Form 21-534: This application for dependency and indemnity compensation is for the surviving spouse or child after the veteran's death. It establishes eligibility for certain benefits.
  • VA Form 22-5490: This form serves as the application for chapter 35 dependent educational assistance. It is used when a dependent seeks educational benefits due to a veteran’s service-related disability.
  • VA Form 21-0596: Used for reporting the death of a dependent, this ensures the veteran’s file is kept up to date regarding benefits calculations.
  • VA Form 21-0958: This Notice of Disagreement form is used to appeal a VA decision. If a dependent’s claim is denied, this form can help express disagreement with that determination.
  • VA Form 21-526EZ: This is the application for disability compensation. It may be relevant if the dependent's status affects the overall benefits the veteran receives.

Understanding and completing these forms can feel overwhelming at times, but remember that each plays a vital role in ensuring that you and your dependents receive the benefits you deserve. Always take the time to verify and provide accurate information to support your claims and updates.

Similar forms

  • VA Form 21-686c: This form is used to apply for adding or removing dependents from your record. Similar to Form 21-0538, it addresses changes in dependent status but focuses specifically on initiating claims related to dependents rather than verifying them.

  • VA Form 21-674: Intended for requesting approval of a child's school attendance, this form is completed when the veteran has a dependent child aged 18-23. While Form 21-0538 verifies existing dependents, Form 21-674 confirms eligibility for schooling-related benefits.

  • VA Form 21-0847: This document is a request for a change of address or direct deposit information for a dependent. Like Form 21-0538, it is about maintaining accurate and current information regarding dependents but centers on where payments should be sent.

  • VA Form 21-526EZ: This is an application for disability compensation and related compensation benefits. Although its purpose is different, it can involve dependents as part of the claim process. Form 21-0538 ensures that the dependent information tied to benefits is accurate and updated.

  • VA Form 21-4138: Known as the Statement in Support of Claim, this form is used to provide additional information or details needed for a claim. While not directly focusing on dependents, it may be submitted alongside Form 21-0538 to support a claim involving dependent-related benefits.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the VA Form 21-0538, consider the following do's and don'ts:

  • Do read the Privacy Act and Respondent Burden instructions thoroughly before starting.
  • Do complete the form either online or by hand, ensuring legibility.
  • Do provide accurate information, including Social Security numbers for both you and any dependents.
  • Do sign and date the form in the required section to certify that the information is true.
  • Don't leave any applicable sections blank; complete all necessary fields to avoid delays.
  • Don't submit false information, as doing so may lead to severe penalties.
  • Don't forget to check any additional forms required for dependents not listed.
  • Don't send the form to an incorrect address; make sure to mail it to the specified Evidence Intake Center.

Misconceptions

1. The form is only for veterans with changes in dependent status. Many believe that the VA 21-0538 form is limited to those who have recently undergone changes. However, it is also for veterans who need to confirm the status of existing dependents and ensure ongoing eligibility for benefits.

2. Completing the form online is not permitted. Some veterans think the VA 21-0538 can only be filled out by hand. In fact, individuals have the option to complete the form online or manually, whichever is more convenient.

3. You can submit the form without signing it. It's a common misconception that veterans can send in the form without a signature. A signature is mandatory, certifying that the provided information is accurate and true to the best of the veteran's knowledge.

4. The form is not essential if a dependent was previously listed. Some believe there is no need to submit the VA 21-0538 again if a dependent's status has not materially changed. The form is still necessary to update the VA on any changes for benefits eligibility, even if a dependent was already reported.

5. Only the veteran's information is required. A misconception exists that veterans need only provide their data on the form. In reality, the form requires information for each dependent, including Social Security numbers and the nature of any status changes.

6. Submitting the form ensures automatic approval of benefits. Many assume that completing the VA 21-0538 guarantees approval for additional allowances. While the form facilitates the process, approval is contingent on the VA's review of all provided information and current eligibility requirements.

Key takeaways

Here are some key takeaways to consider when filling out and using the VA Form 21-0538:

  • Purpose of the Form: The VA Form 21-0538 is used to verify the status of dependents and determine eligibility for additional allowances. Completing this form is essential to maintain the correct benefits.
  • Instructions for Completion: It can be filled out either online or by hand. If you choose to fill it out by hand, make sure to use ink, write clearly, and complete all fields accurately to facilitate processing.
  • Mandatory Information: Essential details such as the veteran's name, Social Security number, and current mailing address must be provided. Any changes in dependent status should also be documented carefully.
  • Forms for Additional Changes: If there are additional dependents that need to be added or removed, you must also submit VA Form 21-686c. For children aged 18-23 who are in school, VA Form 21-674 will also be necessary.
  • Submission Guidelines: After completing the form, mail it to the designated address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Ensure to check the expiration date of the form before submission.

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