The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers education benefits to dependents of veterans who served on active duty. These benefits can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. In this article, we will discuss the different types of VA education benefits available to dependents and how to apply for them.
Types of VA Education Benefits for Dependents
1. Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement allows eligible veterans to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The transferred benefits can be used for up to 36 months of education, including tuition, books, and housing. To be eligible for this benefit, the veteran must have served at least six years on active duty and must agree to serve an additional four years.
2. Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship provides education benefits to the children and spouses of veterans who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability. This benefit covers the full cost of tuition and fees at any public school, as well as a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. To be eligible for this benefit, the dependent must be between the ages of 18 and 33.
3. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education benefits to the children and spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or who died as a result of a service-connected disability. This benefit covers up to 45 months of education, including tuition, books, and housing. To be eligible for this benefit, the dependent must be between the ages of 18 and 26.
4. Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a partnership between the VA and participating universities that provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This benefit is available to dependents of veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement.
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits for Dependents
To apply for VA education benefits for dependents, follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility: Visit the VA website to determine your eligibility for VA education benefits for dependents.
- Choose a program: Decide which education benefit program is best suited for your needs.
- Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your veteran’s DD Form 214, marriage certificate, and birth certificate of children.
- Apply online: Apply online through the VA website or submit a paper application.
- Wait for approval: Wait for the VA to review your application and notify you of your eligibility.
- Enroll in school: Once approved, enroll in an approved school and inform the VA of your enrollment status.
- Receive payments: The VA will send payments directly to the school to cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.
In conclusion, VA education benefits for dependents can provide valuable financial assistance to cover the cost of education. Eligible dependents can receive education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement, Fry Scholarship, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA), and Yellow Ribbon Program. To apply for these benefits, dependents must determine their eligibility, choose a program, gather required documents, apply online, wait for approval, enroll in school, and receive payments. It’s important for dependents to take advantage of these benefits and pursue their education goals.