Chapter 35
Survivors' & Dependents' Educational
Assistance

What Is Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance?

 Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance is an education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans.  Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of benefits for:

• College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses
• Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only)
• high School Diploma or GED
• Apprenticeship/Job Training

 Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if the veteran

• is found by VA to be totally and permanently disabled from a service-related disability, OR
• died because of a service-related disability
  
  AND you meet one of the following conditions:

• you are married to the veteran, OR
• you are the deceased veterans' surviving spouse, and you haven't remarried, OR
• you are the veteran's child and you're at least 18 years old

Generally, you must use this benefit within the following time periods:

• Spouse/surviving spouse: 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible
• Child: until age 26

Note:  These time limits can be extended under certain circumstances. Call the toll-free number below for details.

How Much Does VA Pay?

The amount VA pays is based on the type of training program, and training time.  In most cases, benefits are paid monthly. For example, effective 10-01-05 VA pays $827 monthly for full-time training at a college or university. If your attendance is less than full-time, payments are reduced proportionately.

How Can I Apply?

 You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-5490, application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

For More Information -- Call Toll-Free

1-888-442-4551

Last Updated October 23, 2007