Across the country, the U.S. government provides a multitude of educational benefit programs specifically targeted toward supporting the children of disabled veterans. Usually handled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), these programs generally provide financial assistance for children of veterans who are permanently disabled due to injuries sustained in military service. More common than eligibility criteria, the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program proves to be more beneficial and allows assistance in funding for postsecondary education.
Eligibility for educational assistance
To claim the educational assistance, children must meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally, the applicant must be dependent on a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability. The veteran must not only have been in military service during the Medal War, but also their disability must have arisen due to an incident occurring during that military service.
Children aged 18 to 26, in the majority of cases, are covered by some exceptions. In some instances, deceased veterans’ children, due to injuries sustained, will also be covered by benefits.
How to apply for assistance
The process of applying for educational assistance is simple and may involve documentation. First, all required documents must be prepared. This may include evidence of the veteran’s service-connected disability along with the child’s birth or adoption certificate to substantiate dependency status.
Next, after the necessary documentation has been put together, you can either go online and register through the application process made available at the VA website eBenefits or download an application from the website and fill it in for submission through regular mail to the VA regional office. After receipt of the application, the VA will proceed with the review and inform applicants about their eligibility, along with the amount of benefits.
Educational assistance types available
Benefits under DEA may aid eligible children in covering almost all educational expenses, such as tuition, books, etc. The program includes a wide array of educational programs that include diploma and degree programs in colleges, universities, and vocational and technical training. The assistance available thus would depend on the status of enrollment and funding for the year.
Benefits under the DEA can be provided for as much as 45 months, although this period can differ according to individual circumstances. In some cases, benefits can be extended in case the child is enrolled as a full-time student and is making satisfactory progress toward completion of the course/program.
A few other resources for the children of disabled veterans
In addition to the DEA program, some other available resources are educational benefits at the state level, private scholarships, and work-study programs. Various states offer additional benefits for children of veterans, including subsidized tuition rates all the way to full-ride scholarships at public universities. Children of veterans may also find support from private nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships for military families.
