When CHAMPVA ends for a child: age 18, students to 23, and marriage
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 9, 2026 (VA page updated Aug 7, 2026). Changelog
| Situation | When coverage ends |
|---|---|
| Not in school, no qualifying disability | At age 18 |
| Full-time student (high school, college, or vocational school) | When school ends or at age 23, whichever comes first |
| Gets married | On the date of marriage |
| Permanently unable to support themselves due to a disability that began before 18 (“helpless child”) | Can continue past 18; ends if they marry or become able to support themselves |
| Stepchild who leaves the veteran’s household after divorce or remarriage | No longer eligible |
Students: keep coverage going
- Send a school certification letter within 1 month after the first term starts, and recertify at least once a year.
- A college acceptance letter can cover the gap between high school graduation and the first college term.
- The letter must be on school letterhead with the student’s full name, last 4 of the SSN, expected graduation date, term start and end dates, and a school official’s signature and title.
- Mail: VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Eligibility, PO Box 137, Spring City, PA 19475, or fax 303-331-7809.
- Tell CHAMPVA if the student withdraws. Normal school breaks don’t interrupt coverage.
Except for stepchildren, a child’s eligibility isn’t affected by the parents’ divorce or remarriage (per the 10-10d instructions).