Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance
(DEA): A Guide for Spouses and Widows
The Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program
offers educational benefits to the dependents of veterans and service
members. This program helps eligible spouses, children, and widows of
veterans have access to education and training opportunities.
You can use the opportunity to pursue a college degree, certification,
or on-the-job training. In particular, for widows and surviving spouses,
DEA provides financial support that can ease the burden of furthering
education or developing new skills.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Eligibility for Veterans Dependents Educational
Assistance (DEA)
To be eligible for Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA),
the veteran or service member must meet certain conditions. These
conditions include:
● The veteran is permanently and totally disabled (for service related work)
● Due to a service-related disability, the veteran died.
● The service member died on active duty.
● The service member is missing (more than 90 days) in action, captured by
a hostile force, or detained by a foreign government.
● The service member is receiving care for a permanent and total service-
connected disability that may result in discharge.
If the above situations apply to the veteran or service member, their
spouse or dependents may qualify for educational assistance through the
DEA program.
What to Expect From Veterans Widows Educational
Assistance?
The Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides a
range of benefits to help cover educational expenses. These benefits can be
used for various educational paths, such as:
● It is possible for widows to enroll in college or graduate school
What to Expect From Veterans Widows Educational
Assistance?
The Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides a range
of benefits to help cover educational expenses. These benefits can be used for
various educational paths, such as:
● It is possible for widows to enroll in college or graduate school
● On-the-job training and apprenticeships
● Licensing and certification tests
● Preparatory courses for national exams or other certifications
● Career-training certificate or diploma courses
One of the most significant advantages of the Veterans GI Bill for school
is the financial assistance. It comes in the form of monthly payments.
Time Limits for Using DEA Benefits?
The time limit for using DEA benefits as a spouse or widow depends on
several factors.
If the qualifying event happened before August 1, 2023:
● Benefits usually expire 10 years after eligibility.
● If the veteran was permanently disabled and later passed away, an extra
10 years may be granted.
● If the service member died on active duty, benefits last 20 years.
● For total disability confirmed within three years of discharge, benefits
last 20 years.
Note: For events on or after August 1, 2023, there is
no time limit, offering more flexibility.
DEA vs. Fry Scholarship
While both the Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program
and the Fry Scholarship provide financial assistance for education, they
cannot be used simultaneously. Spouses and widows must choose between
the two.
How to Apply for Veterans Dependents Educational
Assistance (DEA)?
Spouses and widows can apply for Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance
(DEA) in one of two ways:
● The easiest and most convenient way is to apply online through the VA’s website.
This method ensures faster processing and immediate confirmation.●
Alternatively, the application can be submitted by filling out VA Form 22-5490
(Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits)
The Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides vital support
to the spouses, children, and widows of veterans and service members. It offers
educational opportunities that can lead to new careers and a better future.
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