Can Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans Get Benefits?

A veteran with a 100% VA disability rating is entitled to additional monetary benefits if they have  a dependent spouse. Though these benefits don’t go directly to the spouse, they do increase household income to account for the spouse. The increased benefits are available to all veterans rated 30% disabled or higher, but the amount added on is higher as the rating climbs.

Spouses of veterans with 100% VA disability ratings may also qualify for some direct benefits, such as educational benefits and healthcare coverage. However, these benefits are available only when the veteran’s 100% disability rating is permanent.

Benefits for Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans

Educational Benefits

The spouse of a disabled veteran may qualify for educational benefits if the veteran has a permanent 100% disability rating or a permanent TDIU (total disability due to individual unemployability) classification. These benefits are offered under the Dependents’ Educational Assistance program (DEA). 

These benefits help cover the costs of education, training programs, or apprenticeships. The benefit rates vary depending on the type of program.

In 2025, qualifying dependent spouses enrolled in college classes or vocational schools can receive up to: 

• $1,536/month for full-time enrollment
• $1,214/month for ¾-time enrollment
• $890/month for ½-time enrollment

If you are enrolled less than ½-time, you may still qualify for benefits, but they are calculated differently. 

For on-the-job training and apprenticeships, the maximum monthly payment depends on how far along in the program you are. The caps for 2015 are: 

• $975/month for months 1-6
• $733/month for months 7-12
• $481/month for months 13-18
• $245/month for month 19 and up

To qualify for the full monthly amount, you must work at least 120 hours in each month.

There are also a variety of miscellaneous educational benefits, such as restorative training and support for test preparation, certification testing, correspondence coursework and more.

Healthcare Benefits

The spouse of a veteran with a permanent 100% VA disability rating or TDIU classification may also be eligible for healthcare coverage. The system of healthcare coverage is somewhat complicated. Depending on the circumstances, the spouse may qualify for TRICARE or CHAMPVA. An experienced VA disability benefits advocate can help you understand which benefits you may be eligible for as the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, and how those benefits differ if you are a designated caregiver. 

Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for additional benefits, depending on the status of the relationship, how long the veteran had a totally disabling service-connected condition, the duration of the marriage, and other factors. 

Get the Help you Need with VA Benefits

Whether you are a veteran seeking VA disability benefits or a family member or survivor trying to secure your own benefits, Veterans Help Group is here for you. To learn more about how we can help, call 855-855-8992 right now, or fill out our contact form here.

More About Your VA Disability Here:

Important PACT Act Update: VA Expands Presumptive Conditions – Easier for Veterans to Get Benefits

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Rates for 2025

Lesser Known Benefits for Veterans

Ankle Instability and VA Disability Ratings