![](media/image1.png){width="0.3770833333333333in"
height="0.2965277777777778in"} **Department of Veterans Affairs**

***Survivors\' & Dependents\' Educational Assistance -- Chapter 35***

**What Is Survivors\' & Dependents\' Educational Assistance?**

Survivors\' & Dependents\' Educational Assistance is an education
benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. Eligible
persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits
for:

-   College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses, High School
    Diploma or GED, Independent Study or Distance Learning courses

-   Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only), Apprenticeship/Job Training

-   Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)

-   The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get,
    keep, or advance in a job

> ***Note:** Schools and programs must be approved by a State Approving
> Authority (SAA) for VA training.*

## Who Is Eligible?

*A claimant must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:*

-   a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the
    result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise
    out of active service in the Armed Forces.

-   a veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected
    disability was in existence.

-   a service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a
    hostile force.

-   a service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a
    foreign government or power.

## How Long Is the Period During Which This Benefit May Be Used?

-   Spouse/Surviving Spouse: 10 years from the date VA establishes
    eligibility. For surviving spouses of veterans who died while on
    active duty, 20 years from the date of the veteran's death (benefits
    can't be paid before December 10, 2004 for anyone whose 10 year
    period ended prior to that date).

-   Children: between ages 18 and 26.

> ***Note**: These time limits can be extended under certain
> circumstances. Call the*
>
> *toll-free number or visit the Internet Website shown below for
> details.*

## How Much Does VA Pay?

The amount VA pays is based on the type of training program, and
training time. Benefits are paid in arrears and monthly. For example for
Fiscal Year 2005, VA pays \$827 monthly for full-time training for a
full month at a college or university. If attendance is less than a
month or less than full-time, payments are reduced proportionately. Rate
tables can be found on the Internet Website or by calling the toll-free
number shown below.

**How Should a Claimant Apply?**

After finding a program approved for VA training, complete VA Form
22-5490, *Application for Survivors\' and Dependents\' Educational
Assistance*. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over
the State where you will train, or apply on-line at the Internet Website
shown below.

**What Are Some Related Benefits?**

> Special Benefits for Children with Disabilities Educational Counseling
> Services
>
> Work-Study Employment Tutorial Assistance

**For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)**

**Or Visit Our Web Site At
[www.gibill.va.gov](http://www.gibill.va.gov/)**

Compensation and Pension Service -- December 2005