Noteboom The Law Firm

Veterans’ Educational Benefits Can Pass to Dependants

April 28, 2010 - Veterans have gone to war for the benefit of this country and should be rewarded for their efforts with the very best benefits this country has to offer. Not all of these veterans, however, are able to take advantage of the benefits made available to them.

Spouses and dependants of veterans who have either died or became disabled due to their military service may be eligible to receive specific educational benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the Dependants' Educational Assistance (DEA) program which offers up to 45 months of educational benefits to those qualified dependants.

 To be eligible for the benefits, the dependant must be the spouse, son, or daughter of:

• A deceased veteran or a veteran who is permanently disabled arising out of a service-related disability stemming from active duty service; or
• A veteran dying from any cause while suffering from such service-related disability; or
• A soldier MIA or captured in the line of duty; or
• A soldier who was forcibly detained by a foreign power in the line of duty; or
• A soldier hospitalized or undergoing outpatient treatment due to a service-related permanent disability likely to result in discharge due to the disability.

 Sons and daughters wishing to take advantage of the benefits must be between 18-26 years of age. If that son or daughter is currently active duty military, the benefit may not be available and if attempting to use the benefit following service, their discharge must not fall under dishonorable conditions.

Spouses must take note that benefits end 10 years following either the date of the veterans death or the date the spouse became eligible for benefits. If the veteran was VA rated as permanently disabled within 3 years from the date of their discharge, benefits will not end for 20 years. Finally, for Surviving Spouses, benefits will continue for 20 years from the date of the soldier's death. 

These benefits are made available for those willing to lay down their life for their country. When those veterans are not able to accept these benefits, the benefits are made available to their dependants as part of this country's debt owed to those who served.