For veterans with children under 18

Your VA child benefit
could become their head start.

Every month, the VA adds money to your check for each dependent under 18.* What if it were invested instead? See what 18 years of compounding could look like.

Run the numbers

Small monthly benefit, big head start

70% rating, first child, $102/mo if invested from birth. Contributions stop at 18 — the money keeps compounding.

At age 40
$559K

From just $28K total contributed

At age 45
$900K

Five more years of compounding

*Benefits may continue past 18 if the child is a full-time student (until age 23) or became permanently disabled before 18. Hypothetical illustration. 10% nominal return (S&P 500 historical avg), 2.6% COLA. Not a guarantee. Full disclaimer.

1

Enter your child's age

We calculate how many contribution years remain.

2

Pick your rating

Your 2026 VA child add-on rate is looked up automatically.

3

See the projection

Watch the chart grow — in today's dollars or future dollars.

About Your Child

Enter your child's current age and any existing savings.

Please enter your child's age to continue

Your VA Child Benefit

Select your rating and whether this is your first child.

Which child is this?

VA Disability Rating (2026 rates)

Growth Assumptions

Customize the hypothetical growth assumptions for your projection.

Stop contributions at age 18

VA child benefits end when your child turns 18

Your Child's Wealth Projection

Here's what $44/month could become.

Projected Balance at Age 60
$0
From $0 total contributed
Shown in today's purchasing power (adjusted for inflation)
Child's Starting Age
0
Years of VA Contributions
18
Monthly Contribution
$44
Projected Growth
$0
PRO
📊

Year-by-Year Google Sheets Tracker

Track your child's actual growth vs. projection every year. Enter real balances and watch the compounding unfold.

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One-time purchase. Includes the full Pro calculator + this bonus tracker.

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Important: This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. All projections are hypothetical based on the assumptions you entered and use simplified models that do not capture every real-world factor. Default assumptions: 10% nominal return and 3% inflation (based on S&P 500 historical average, 1926–2025; ~7% real return after inflation). Growth projections assume tax-advantaged treatment (e.g., Roth IRA or custodial Roth); actual results in taxable accounts will differ due to taxes on dividends and capital gains. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Actual results will vary based on market performance and other factors. VA disability ratings may be subject to periodic re-evaluation and could be reduced, which would affect child benefit amounts. VA child benefit rates shown are 2026 rates effective December 1, 2025. Custodial accounts have tax and legal implications — consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions. VetFIRE LLC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Full Disclaimer →

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