VETERANS HELP GROUP

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Education Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans and Their Dependents

When you think about veterans disability benefits, the first things that come to mind are likely monthly disability benefit payments and medical care. However, the VA offers a range of additional benefits to disabled veterans and their dependents. Exactly what those benefits are depends in part on the veteran’s disability rating. Unsurprisingly, veterans with a 100% disability rating or who have been found permanently individually unemployable have the most comprehensive benefits available. 

One of those benefits is educational assistance–and not just for the disabled veteran. But, there are limitations. Each type of veterans education benefit has its own eligibility criteria. And, not every educational institution or training program is qualified. 

Education Benefits for Veterans

It’s important to be aware of all of the veterans benefits available to you and your family. While some are specific to disabled veterans, or even veterans who have a certain VA disability rating, some are more broadly available. For example, many veterans are eligible for education and training benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill, regardless of disability status.  

If your service-connected disability creates an obstacle to employment, you may also qualify for vocational training or education benefits through the Veteran’s Readiness & Employment program. This opportunity isn’t limited to veterans with a 100% disability rating but may be available to anyone with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher who has service-connected barriers to employment.

Benefits for Veterans’ Survivors and Dependents

If the veteran has a disability rating of 100% or has a disability rating of at least 60% and is considered permanently unemployable, the VA provides additional education benefits for certain family members. Family members of certain other veterans are also eligible, such as veterans who have passed away due to a service-connected disability or who are missing in action.

Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program (DEA)

Family members who qualify for DEA benefits include:

• Most children of qualified veterans who are between the ages of 18 and 26, and
• The spouse of a qualified veteran

The time period during which a spouse is entitled to benefits is limited. The minimum period of eligibility is 10 years from the effective date, but in some cases, eligibility may continue for 20 years from the effective date. But, that doesn’t mean you can continue using the benefits throughout your period of eligibility. Most qualified survivors and dependents can receive benefits for a maximum of 36 months. 

If you’re uncertain about whether you’re eligible for educational assistance, an experienced veterans disability benefits advocate can help determine which benefits you may qualify for and for how long. 

DEA benefits come in the form of a monthly payment to help you with expenses for: 

• College or graduate degree programs
• Career-training certificate courses
• Educational and career counseling
• Apprenticeships
• On-the-job training

The amount of the monthly payment is updated annually and varies depending on the type of program you’re in and whether it’s full-time or part-time. Until September 2023, those enrolled in degree programs or trade and vocational schools will receive:

• $1,401 for each full month of full-time enrollment
• $1,107 for each full month of ¾-time enrollment
• $812 for each month of half-time enrollment
• The lesser of $812 or the cost of tuition and fees for each full month of enrollment of more than ¼-time but less than half-time
• The lesser of $350.25 or the cost of tuition and fees for each full month of enrollment at ¼-time or less

For on-the-job training and apprenticeships, the monthly benefit depends on how far along you are in your training. Until September 2023, these rates are: 

• $890 for each full month, months 1-6
• $669 for each full month, months 7-12
• $439 for each full month, months 13-18
• $223 for each full month, months 19 and beyond

Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

In some circumstances, Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits not used by the servicemember may be transferred to dependents. However, there are certain service-related requirements, as well as restrictions on when dependents can use these benefits. 

This transfer does not require a 100% disability rating but does require that the veteran has requested the transfer while on active duty, have served at least six years at the time of the request, and agreed to serve an additional four years. Purple Heart veterans aren’t subject to these service requirements, but would still have to have made the request while on active duty.

Once eligible for a transfer, the child of the service member or veteran can use the benefits at any time between turning 18 and turning 26. A spouse has greater flexibility: if the veteran separated from the service on or after January 1, 2013, the spouse can use the transferred education benefits at any time. If the veteran separated from service before that date, the spouse has 15 years from the date of separation to use the benefits. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

The Fry scholarship provides assistance to the children and spouses of certain service members who died in the line of duty or died of a service-connected disability. If eligible, you may receive these benefits for up to 36 months, and funds may be applied toward tuition, books and supplies, and housing. 

Choose VA Education Benefits Carefully

Many spouses and children of disabled veterans may qualify for more than one of the education benefits described above. But, some benefits can’t be combined and you generally can’t switch programs once you get started. In addition, some of the education benefits available to spouses and children of deceased veterans require the recipient to give up DIC benefits. So, it is important to thoroughly educate yourself about the options and make the choice that offers the greatest net benefit. 

If you’re planning for education benefits from the VA, you’ll also have to factor that in when you choose your school or vocational program. 

The process can be complicated and it’s up to you to sort out which program will be most beneficial in your circumstances and to demonstrate that you meet the criteria for that program. To learn how an experienced veterans benefits advocate can help, call (855) 855-8992 or fill out our contact form right now.