There are a number of educational resources for family members of U.S. Veterans. The two primary Federal Programs are the Survivors’ and Dependents Assistance Program and the Post 9/11 GI Bill Dependent Benefits.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
The DEA provides up to 45 months of education and training benefits to eligible dependents of certain classes of veterans. To qualify, applicants must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran who has: died, is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability, has died while such a disability was in effect, is MIA or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, or is forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
Sons and daughters must be between the ages of 18 and 26 at the time of application to receive these 45 months of benefits. Spousal benefits end 10 years from the date the VA finds the spouse eligible or from the date of death of the veteran. Applicants must complete and submit VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. For more information, call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Post 9/11 GI Bill Dependent Benefits
Benefits can be transferred to family members by any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted), who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. Served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
2. Served at least 10 years in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (Service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.
3. Is or becomes retirement eligible and agrees to serve an additional 4 years of service on or after August 1, 2012. A service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active Federal service or 20 qualifying years as computed pursuant to section 12732 of title 10 U.S.C.
Transfers must be requested and approved while the member is in the Armed Forces.
For more information on Post 9/11 GI Bill or DEA benefits, applicants can also call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) programs provide up to $4,000 to military spouses pursuing college degree or licensing and credential programs that lead to employment in career fields that can transfer in order to follow their military spouse either within the U.S. or overseas. Spouses can contact MilitaryOneSource for education counseling and help finding further funding sources toll free at: 1.800.342.9647.
Details about the MyCAA Career Advancement Accounts program can be found at this link and more can be found about other Spouse Employment opportunities and programs here.
State By State Benefits
In addition to the Federal Programs, every state in the U.S. has a variety of help for families of veterans. These programs can be researched from the link below.
http://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits.html
Resources
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
www.gibill.va.gov/education/other_programs/dea
Post 9/11 GI Bill Dependent Benefits
www/gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/transfer_of_benefits
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts
www.military.com/education/money-for-school/military-spouse-career-advancement-accounts-financial-aid
State By State Spouse and Family Benefits
www.military.com/education/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits.html
