Application for Exclusion of Children's Income (VA Form 21P-0571)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), administers an integrated program of benefits and services, established by law, for veterans, service personnel, and their dependents and/or beneficiaries. A Veteran’s or Surviving Spouse’s rate of “Improved Pension” is determined by family income. Generally, the income of children who are members of the household is included in this determination. However, children’s income may be excluded if it is unavailable or if consideration of that income would cause hardship. 38 U.S.C. 1521(h) and 1541(g) provide the authority for the exclusion of children’s income based on unavailability or hardship. VA Form 21P-0571 is the prescribed form used by VBA to adequately evaluate children’s income for possible exclusion from the calculation of total family income.

The latest form for Application for Exclusion of Children's Income (VA Form 21P-0571) expires 2027-05-31 and can be found here.