What requirement must be met for a Veteran to receive additional pension benefits for a spouse or child?

For a Veteran to receive additional pension benefits for a spouse or child, it is essential that they either live together or that the Veteran contributes to their support. This requirement is in place to ensure that the additional benefits are directed towards dependents who are part of the Veteran's household or financially supported by them.

The underlying principle is to provide financial assistance that reflects the relationships and responsibilities of the Veteran. By living together, the spouse or child is directly supported and integrated into the household, which justifies the additional pension benefits. Alternatively, if they do not live together, the Veteran's financial support establishes a necessary connection, indicating that the Veteran is contributing to their well-being.

This requirement reflects the intent of the pension system to provide assistance to those who are actively dependent on the Veteran, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the benefits provided. Thus, this response captures the essence of the policies governing additional pension benefits for dependents.