Veterans and Financial Aid for Dependents: Using VA Education Benefits for Your Family

As a veteran, one of the most valuable benefits you can provide to your family is access to education. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various programs that allow veterans to transfer their GI Bill education benefits to their dependents, as well as additional financial aid options for spouses and children of veterans. These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other education-related expenses, making it easier for your family members to pursue higher education and career goals.

In this blog, we will explore how veterans can transfer GI Bill benefits to their dependents, as well as other financial aid opportunities available for spouses and children of veterans. Organizations like Warrior Allegiance can help guide veterans through the process of securing education benefits for their loved ones.

1. Understanding the Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most comprehensive education benefits available to veterans. It covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at public institutions, provides a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), and includes a stipend for books and supplies. Veterans who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, are eligible for these benefits.

One of the unique features of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the ability to transfer unused benefits to dependents, allowing veterans to provide financial support for their family members’ education.

2. Transferring GI Bill Benefits to Dependents

Veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet specific service requirements can transfer their education benefits to their spouse or children. This transfer can cover tuition, housing, and other education expenses, significantly reducing the financial burden on your family.

Eligibility Requirements for Transferring Benefits

To transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your dependents, you must meet the following criteria:

• Service Time: You must have at least six years of service on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and agree to serve an additional four years.
• Remaining Benefits: The transfer must occur while you are still on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. You cannot transfer benefits after separating from service.
• Enrollment in DEERS: Dependents must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to receive transferred benefits.

How to Transfer GI Bill Benefits

1. Log In to MilConnect: To begin the transfer process, log in to the MilConnect portal and select “Transfer Education Benefits (TEB).” You’ll need to designate how much of your remaining GI Bill benefits you wish to transfer to each dependent.
2. Approval by DoD: Once you submit your request, the Department of Defense (DoD) will review and approve the transfer if you meet all the eligibility requirements.
3. Apply for Benefits: After the transfer is approved, your dependents must apply for benefits through the VA by submitting VA Form 22-1990e (Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits) via the VA’s eBenefits portal.

Action Step:

• If you’re considering transferring your GI Bill benefits to your spouse or children, make sure you meet the service requirements and initiate the transfer process through MilConnect before separating from the military.

3. Benefits for Spouses

Spouses of veterans may be eligible for a range of financial aid options beyond transferred GI Bill benefits, including scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, provides education and training benefits to the spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition or who died while on active duty.

DEA benefits can be used for:

• College degree programs
• Career and technical training
• Apprenticeships and on-the-job training

Spouses may receive up to 36 months of benefits through the DEA program, helping them cover tuition, fees, and other education expenses.

Fry Scholarship

The Fry Scholarship is available to the spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. This scholarship offers the same benefits as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including full tuition coverage at public institutions, a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), and a stipend for books and supplies.

• Eligibility: Spouses can use the Fry Scholarship benefits for up to 15 years after the service member’s death, and the benefits can be used for a range of educational programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Action Step:

• If you are the spouse of a veteran who is permanently disabled or deceased, explore your eligibility for the DEAprogram or the Fry Scholarship to help fund your education.

4. Benefits for Children

Children of veterans can also benefit from financial aid programs that support their educational goals. In addition to transferred GI Bill benefits, children may qualify for various scholarships and grants designed specifically for dependents of veterans.

Fry Scholarship

Like spouses, children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, are eligible for the Fry Scholarship. Children using Fry Scholarship benefits are entitled to the same financial support as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including full tuition coverage, a Monthly Housing Allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

• Eligibility: Children are eligible to use Fry Scholarship benefits until they turn 33 years old. There is no time limit for how soon after the service member’s death the benefits must be used.

DEA Benefits for Children

Children of veterans who are permanently disabled or deceased due to a service-connected condition may also be eligible for DEA benefits. Children can use DEA benefits to cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses for up to 36 months.

• Eligibility: Children can use DEA benefits between the ages of 18 and 26, though exceptions may be made for certain circumstances.

State-Specific Scholarships and Grants

Many states offer additional financial aid programs for children of veterans, including state-sponsored scholarships and tuition waivers for public colleges and universities. These programs vary by state, so it’s important to research the options available in your state of residence.

• Action Step: Research state-specific programs for children of veterans to determine if there are additional financial aid opportunities available for your child’s education.

5. Other Financial Aid Resources for Veterans’ Families

In addition to VA benefits, there are a variety of nonprofit organizations and scholarship programs that provide financial aid to the spouses and children of veterans. Some of these include:

• ThanksUSA Scholarship: Provides scholarships to military spouses and children pursuing post-secondary education.
• Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: Offers scholarships and educational counseling to children of service members who died in the line of duty.
• Pat Tillman Foundation: Awards scholarships to military veterans and their spouses pursuing higher education.

Action Step:

• Explore nonprofit organizations and private scholarship programs that offer financial aid to dependents of veterans. Many of these programs are designed specifically to help military families achieve their educational goals.

6. How Warrior Allegiance Supports Veterans and Their Families

Warrior Allegiance is dedicated to helping veterans and their families access the education benefits and financial aid they deserve. The organization provides:

• Guidance on Transferring GI Bill Benefits: Warrior Allegiance helps veterans navigate the process of transferring their GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation.
• Support for Applying to Scholarships: Warrior Allegiance connects veterans’ families with scholarship opportunities and provides assistance in applying for programs like the Fry Scholarship and DEA benefits.
• Resources for Financial Aid: The organization offers resources and counseling to help veterans’ families identify additional financial aid options, including state-sponsored grants and nonprofit scholarships.

Conclusion

Veterans have the opportunity to support their family’s educational journey through a variety of VA education benefitsand financial aid programs. Whether by transferring GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child, or exploring additional resources like the Fry Scholarship or DEA benefits, veterans can help ease the financial burden of higher education for their loved ones.

With the help of organizations like Warrior Allegiance, veterans can navigate the complex process of securing education benefits for their families and ensure their loved ones have access to the resources they need to succeed. If you’re a veteran looking to support your family’s education, now is the time to explore the options available and start planning for the future.