Dependents of veterans with total and permanent service-related disabilities, veterans who died in the line of duty or because of service-related disabilities may receive Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits. Additionally, dependents of prisoners of war and veterans missing in action may be eligible for DEA enrollment.
Children of qualifying veterans may begin using DEA benefits at 18 and continue to receive aid until 26. Dependent children include biological, adopted and stepchildren. In some instances, such as military service, illness or financial obligations, a dependent may begin DEA benefits early or extend their eligibility age. Marriage does not affect dependent DEA eligibility.
Spouse DEA eligibility usually begins when the veteran is deemed disabled or dies, with benefits ending after 10 years. However, spouses of veterans who died in active duty may have 20 years to claim benefits. For POWs and missing service members, eligibility begins 91 days after being listed as captured or missing. You become ineligible for benefits if you divorce unless currently enrolled in training and the divorce is not your fault. Benefits may end if you remarry before the age of 57.
Under the DEA program, you may receive up to 45 months of aid. As of October 1, 2010, the monthly payment for full-time attendance in an accredited institution or for restorative training for disabled dependents is $936. Benefit amounts are reduced for part-time attendance. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training benefits include $682 for the first six months, with payments reducing every six months for 18 months. Additionally, dependents may receive reimbursement for qualified testing and certification.
The VA must approve education and training programs before benefits begin. Acceptable programs include but are not limited to accredited degree or certificate programs, distance courses, apprenticeships, farm cooperative programs, vocational training, and college preparatory or high school classes. Self-improvement and recreational programs are ineligible.
To continue receiving DEA benefits, students must maintain acceptable attendance and advancement standards. Your school or training program reports your progress directly to the VA and unacceptable progress or behavior may result in permanent or temporary loss of benefits. If you drop or fail a course, you should contact the VA and your school to determine how it will affect tuition payments.