Financing education is becoming a growing challenge in the U.S., with student loan debt reaching $1.7 trillion. For the 43 million Americans who owe federal student loans, financial aid programs are crucial.
If you are a dependent or spouse of a veteran or service member, you may qualify for additional education benefits through the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This program can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education.
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Eligibility
To qualify for the DEA program, you must be the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who meets one of the following conditions:
- Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability
- Deceased as a result of a service-connected disability
- Died in the line of duty
- Missing in action (MIA) or captured for more than 90 days
- Forcibly detained or interned by a foreign entity for more than 90 days
- Hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability, likely to be discharged for that disability
Age Requirement
Children of qualifying veterans or service members can start using DEA benefits at 18 years old.
Criteria
The eligibility criteria differ for children and spouses of veterans or service members.
For Children
- You can be married or unmarried.
- You cannot use the benefit while on active duty if you are in the military.
- You cannot use the benefit if dishonorably discharged.
- You cannot receive both Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and DEA benefits at the same time. If you wish to receive DEA benefits, you must forfeit DIC payments.
For Spouses
- You can receive both DIC and DEA benefits simultaneously.
- If you divorce, you lose eligibility for the education benefits.
- If the veteran or service member dies and you remarry, you will no longer qualify.
Remarriage Rule
If you remarry, you may still qualify for DEA benefits in the following cases:
- Your new marriage occurred on or after January 1, 2004, and you were at least 57 years old at the time.
- Your new marriage ends due to death or divorce.
Health Care Benefits
In addition to education benefits, veterans and service members qualify for special health care programs. These programs can help reduce medical expenses and provide access to affordable or free healthcare services.
If you are a veteran or service member, you may be eligible for different classes of VA health care coverage based on your service history and medical condition.
The DEA program provides vital financial support to dependents and spouses of veterans, ensuring they have access to higher education without the burden of excessive debt.
If you or a loved one qualify for these benefits, taking advantage of them can make a significant difference in funding your education and securing a brighter future.
FAQs
Who qualifies for DEA benefits?
Children and spouses of veterans or service members meeting specific service-related conditions.
Can I receive both DEA and DIC benefits?
Children cannot receive both, but spouses can.
Do I lose benefits if I remarry?
Yes, unless you were 57 or older when you remarried after January 1, 2004.
Can I use DEA benefits while on active duty?
No, active-duty service members cannot use DEA benefits.
At what age can children start using DEA benefits?
Children can start using DEA benefits at 18 years old.
