VA Form 21P-0513-1: Old Law & Section 306 EVR (Children) – If you or a child in your care is receiving VA Old Law Pension or Section 306 Pension benefits, you may need to submit VA Form 21P-0513-1 annually to verify ongoing eligibility. This form helps the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) confirm the child’s marital status, school attendance, income, and other details to ensure continued pension payments.
Understanding this form is crucial for families relying on these legacy VA pension programs. Below is everything you need to know about completing, submitting, and why this verification matters for U.S. veterans’ families.
What Is VA Form 21P-0513-1?
VA Form 21P-0513-1 is the **Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Children Only)**. It is specifically designed for children (or their custodians) who are receiving pension benefits under the Old Law (fixed rate since 1960) or Section 306 (fixed rate since 1978) programs.
These are older VA pension programs that differ from the modern Improved Pension. The form verifies key eligibility factors such as the child’s dependency status, income, and school attendance. Failure to return a completed form on time can result in suspension or reduction of benefits.
Who Needs to File VA Form 21P-0513-1?
This form is required for:
- Children receiving Old Law or Section 306 Pension in their own right.
- Custodians (such as parents or guardians) managing benefits for eligible children.
- Families where the veteran passed away and the child(ren) continue to receive these legacy pension payments.
If you receive **Old Law Pension**, you generally skip net worth and certain medical expense sections. Section 306 recipients must complete more items.
The VA typically sends the form annually to recipients. Always check your mail from the VA Regional Office.
Key Differences: Old Law vs. Section 306 Pension
Old Law Pension: Established for veterans or survivors entitled before certain dates (fixed rate since around 1960). Fewer reporting requirements on net worth and medical expenses.
Section 306 Pension: Fixed rate pension for those entitled around 1978. Requires reporting of net worth and additional financial details.
Both programs have specific income and dependency rules that the EVR (Eligibility Verification Report) helps enforce.
How to Complete VA Form 21P-0513-1 Step by Step?
Always read the enclosed instructions (VA Form 21P-0510) before filling out the form. Here are the main sections:
Section 1: Child(ren)’s Marital and School Status
List each child’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number (or “No SSN”), marital status, and school attendance details. This is critical for verifying dependency. School status is especially important for children aged 18-23.
Section 2: Report of Income and Net Worth
Report monthly and annual income from sources like Social Security, wages, retirement, etc. For Section 306, also report net worth (cash, stocks, property, etc.). Do not leave fields blank—enter “0” or “none” if applicable.
Section 3: Medical Expenses (Section 306 Only)
Use VA Form 21P-8416 if required to report unreimbursed medical expenses.
Signature and Contact Information
The payee (child or custodian) must sign and date the form. Provide daytime and evening phone numbers.
Where to Download VA Form 21P-0513-1?
Official Download: Download VA Form 21P-0513-1 (PDF) (Revised June 2024).
You can also find it on the official VA forms page: VA Form 21P-0513-1 on VA.gov.
How to Submit the Completed Form?
Mail the completed form to the VA Regional Office address printed on the form. Do not email or fax unless specifically instructed. Keep a copy for your records. Processing helps prevent interruption in monthly pension payments.
Common Reasons Benefits May Change or Stop
- Child turns 18 and is not in school or disabled.
- Marriage of the child.
- Significant changes in income or net worth.
- Failure to return the Eligibility Verification Report on time.
Accurate reporting protects your benefits.
Tips for Accurate Filing and Avoiding Delays
- Gather documents: SSNs, income statements, school records, and financial statements in advance.
- Report all income sources completely.
- Respond promptly when the VA sends the form.
- Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 with questions.
- Consider consulting a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help.
Related VA Pension Forms
Other common EVR forms include:
- VA Form 21P-0512S-1 (Surviving Spouse)
- VA Form 21P-0516-1 and others for Improved Pension
For most modern cases, families use Improved Pension rules, but legacy Old Law and Section 306 cases still rely on this specific form.
Stay Compliant and Protect Your VA Benefits
VA Form 21P-0513-1 ensures that eligible children continue receiving the financial support they deserve under these historic pension programs. Submitting accurate information on time is the best way to avoid disruptions.
Official Resources:
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official VA sources as of 2026. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the VA.