(a) For the purpose of this section, “dependent” means—

(1) a wife, if—

(A) she is a member of the same household as the employee;

(B) she is receiving regular contributions from the employee for her support; or

(C) the employee has been ordered by a court to contribute to her support;


(2) a husband, if—

(A) he is a member of the same household as the employee; or

(B) he is receiving regular contributions from the employee for his support; or

(C) the employee has been ordered by a court to contribute to his support;


(3) an unmarried child, while living with the employee or receiving regular contributions from the employee toward his support, and who is—

(A) under 18 years of age; or

(B) over 18 years of age and incapable of self-support because of physical or mental disability; and


(4) a parent, while wholly dependent on and supported by the employee.


Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of this subsection, compensation payable for a child that would otherwise end because the child has reached 18 years of age shall continue if he is a student as defined by section 8101 of this title at the time he reaches 18 years of age for so long as he continues to be such a student or until he marries.

(b) A disabled employee with one or more dependents is entitled to have his basic compensation for disability augmented—

(1) at the rate of 81/3 percent of his monthly pay if that compensation is payable under section 8105 or 8107(a) of this title; and

(2) at the rate of 81/3 percent of the difference between his monthly pay and his monthly wage-earning capacity if that compensation is payable under section 8106(a) of this title.