VA Tuition Benefits for Dependents
Complete 2026 guide to VA tuition benefits for dependents. DEA Chapter 35 (~$1,488/mo), Fry Scholarship (full Post-9/11 GI Bill rates), Transfer of Entitlement (TEB), Yellow Ribbon Program, state-level tuition waivers, and how to choose between DEA and Fry.
VA tuition benefits provide substantial education funding for the dependents of disabled and deceased veterans. The two primary federal programs, DEA Chapter 35 and the Fry Scholarship, can fund undergraduate, graduate, vocational, and certification programs. State-level tuition waivers in many states further expand the educational opportunities available to veterans' families. Understanding which program best fits a specific dependent's situation can mean tens of thousands of dollars in education funding.
This guide explains every major dependent tuition benefit, compares DEA Chapter 35 to the Fry Scholarship, and walks through the application process.
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Dependent Tuition Benefits Overview
The major dependent tuition programs are:
- DEA Chapter 35 (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance): Monthly stipend for dependents of P&T or deceased veterans
- Fry Scholarship: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for children/spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001
- Transfer of Entitlement (TEB): Active duty service members can transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouse/children
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Supplements Post-9/11 GI Bill at participating institutions for out-of-state or private school tuition
- State tuition waivers: State-level free or reduced tuition at public colleges (varies by state)
- Federal financial aid: Pell grants, FAFSA, and other federal aid can be combined with VA benefits
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DEA Chapter 35 (Primary Benefit)
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (DEA, Chapter 35 of Title 38) is the primary tuition benefit for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died from a service-connected condition. Key features:
- Monthly stipend paid directly to the student (not the school)
- 2026 rate: ~$1,488/month for full-time enrollment
- Maximum benefit: Up to 36 months
- Approved programs: College degrees (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate), vocational/technical training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, certifications, correspondence courses
- Can combine with Pell grants, scholarships, and other federal aid
- Does NOT pay tuition directly: The student/family pays tuition; DEA provides a monthly stipend toward living expenses
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DEA Eligibility & Time Limits
DEA eligibility requires the sponsoring veteran to meet one of the following:
- Rated permanently and totally disabled (P&T) from a service-connected condition, OR
- Died from a service-connected condition, OR
- Died while rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected conditions, OR
- Currently MIA, captured in the line of duty, or forcibly detained by a foreign government
Dependent eligibility:
- Spouse: 20 years from veteran's effective date of P&T rating (or 10 years if veteran is deceased, with extensions in some cases)
- Children: Generally between ages 18 and 26 (can be extended for certain situations)
- Marriage status: Marriage of a dependent child does NOT terminate eligibility for already-started programs
- Cannot receive DEA and another VA education benefit simultaneously
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2026 DEA Monthly Rates
| Enrollment Status | 2026 Monthly Rate | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ~$1,488 | ~$17,856 |
| Three-quarter time | ~$1,116 | ~$13,392 |
| Half-time | ~$744 | ~$8,928 |
| Less than half time (tuition only) | Varies | Varies |
| Apprenticeships and on-the-job training | Varies by program | Varies |
Special increment payments are available for students with dependents of their own, and for accelerated learning programs. Rates are adjusted annually based on the COLA.
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Fry Scholarship
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Significantly more generous than DEA:
- Tuition: Paid at the full in-state rate at public schools, or up to a cap (~$28,500/year in 2025-2026) at private schools
- Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): Based on the school's zip code, at the rate of an E-5 with dependents (~$1,800 to $5,000+/month depending on location)
- Books and supplies stipend: Up to $1,000 per year
- Maximum benefit: Up to 36 months
Fry Scholarship Eligibility:
- Children: Of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001. Eligible from age 18 (or upon high school graduation) and until age 33.
- Spouses: Of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001. Eligibility ends 15 years after the service member's death OR upon remarriage.
Fry recipients can use the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover tuition above the cap at private schools.
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Transfer of Entitlement (TEB)
Active duty service members and selected reservists can transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse and/or dependent children. Key features:
- Must have at least 6 years of service
- Must agree to serve an additional 4 years after transfer
- Apply through milConnect while still on active duty
- Spouses can use transferred benefits immediately
- Children must wait until they have a high school diploma (or equivalent), or are at least 18
- Children can use benefits until age 26
- Spouses retain MHA only while sponsor is on active duty (sometimes); children always receive MHA
- Up to 36 months total, but can be split among dependents
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Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a voluntary program in which participating schools agree to cover tuition and fees that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap. The VA matches the school's contribution dollar-for-dollar. Key features:
- For schools that participate (private institutions and out-of-state public schools)
- School and VA each contribute to covering the gap
- Can fully cover tuition at expensive private universities when combined with Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship
- Number of participating students may be capped by each school
- Annual agreement between school and VA
Yellow Ribbon can be the difference between affording an expensive private university and not. Check the VA's annually-updated list of participating schools.
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State Tuition Waivers
Many states offer additional tuition benefits for dependents of disabled veterans, often in the form of free or reduced tuition at public colleges. Examples:
- Texas Hazlewood Act: Up to 150 credit hours free tuition at Texas public colleges for dependents of veterans
- Florida Bright Futures (related programs): State scholarships for children of deceased/disabled veterans
- California College Fee Waiver Program (CalVet Fee Waiver): Free tuition at California public colleges for children/spouses of disabled veterans
- Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship: Free tuition at Illinois public colleges
- New York Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA): Tuition reduction at New York public schools
- Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity: Annual stipend for dependents of disabled/deceased veterans
State benefits often combine with federal DEA or Fry benefits, dramatically increasing total funding. Check your specific state's program eligibility.
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DEA vs Fry Scholarship Comparison
| Feature | DEA Chapter 35 | Fry Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Dependents of P&T or deceased veterans | Children/spouses of service members who died in line of duty after 9/10/2001 |
| Tuition payment | Not paid directly | Paid in-state rate or up to private cap |
| Monthly stipend | ~$1,488 (full-time) | MHA based on location (~$1,800 to $5,000+) |
| Books stipend | None | Up to $1,000/year |
| Max benefit | 36 months | 36 months |
| Yellow Ribbon eligible | No | Yes |
| Total value typically | ~$54,000 over 3 years | ~$100,000+ over 3 years |
For eligible dependents, Fry is significantly more valuable than DEA. Some dependents qualify for both; they must choose one and cannot switch later (with very limited exceptions).
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Approved Programs & Schools
Both DEA and Fry can be used at:
- Accredited colleges and universities (public and private)
- Vocational and technical schools
- Apprenticeship programs
- On-the-job training programs
- Certification programs (IT certifications, professional licenses)
- Correspondence and distance learning programs
- Foreign schools (limited)
The school must be approved for VA benefits. Check the VA's Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) or the VA-Approved School Lookup tool. Most accredited colleges are approved.
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How to Apply, Step by Step
Determine Which Benefit Applies
DEA if sponsoring veteran is P&T or died from service-connected condition (peacetime or war). Fry if sponsoring service member died in line of duty after 9/10/2001.
Gather Required Documents
Birth certificate (for children), marriage certificate (for spouse), sponsoring veteran's VA file number, school acceptance letter.
Complete VA Form 22-5490
Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. This single form covers both DEA and Fry applications.
Submit Application
Submit online at VA.gov, by mail to the appropriate Regional Processing Office, or in person at a VA regional office.
Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once approved, the VA issues a Certificate of Eligibility specifying benefits and remaining months. Provide this to the school's Certifying Official.
Have School Certify Enrollment
The school's VA Certifying Official submits enrollment certification each term. Monthly stipend or tuition payment begins.
Apply for State Benefits Separately
State tuition waivers usually require a separate application through the state veterans affairs office.
Filing for Dependent Education? Get a Free Review.
Our team at VA Claims US helps veterans and dependents choose between DEA and Fry, navigate Transfer of Entitlement applications, and identify state tuition waivers. Free review.
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Frequently Asked Questions