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VA education benefits for survivors and dependents

If you’re a dependent or surviving spouse of a Veteran, you may be eligible for VA education benefits. If you qualify for both Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) and the Fry Scholarship, you’ll have to pick one or the other when you apply. After you’ve made this decision, you can’t switch. But you can use transferred benefits with both DEA and the Fry Scholarship.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA)

If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for DEA—also called Chapter 35.

Find out if you’re eligible for DEA and how to apply

Fry Scholarship

If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a Veteran or service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Fry Scholarship and how to apply

Transferred education benefits

If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has requested a transfer of education benefits, you may be eligible to use those benefits.

Find out if you’re eligible for transferred benefits and how to apply