If you’re a child of a veteran, you may have access to powerful education benefits worth tens of thousands of dollars. Understanding which programs you qualify for, how much you’ll receive, and how to maximize your benefits can significantly impact your college affordability and options. This guide breaks down the VA’s education benefits for dependents and explains strategies to get the most from your eligibility.
Overview: Three Main Programs for Dependent Children
Children of veterans and service members have access to education benefits through three primary programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs:
- The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship — for children of service members who died in the line of duty
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35) — for children of disabled or deceased veterans
- Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits — when a service member transfers their unused benefits to their children
Which program you qualify for depends on your parent’s military service and the circumstances of their service. Let’s explore each one.
Program 1: The Fry Scholarship (For Children of Fallen Service Members)
Who Qualifies
The Fry Scholarship is available to children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. A child may be married or over 23 and still be eligible.
Dependent children become eligible when they turn 18 or graduate high school (or earn a GED), whichever comes first.
Benefit Amount & Coverage
The Fry Scholarship is significantly more generous than other dependent programs. It covers: full tuition & fees paid directly to the school for all public school in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools tuition & fees are capped at a statutory maximum amount per academic year (~$28,500/year in 2025-2026). It also includes a monthly housing allowance based on the school’s zip code, at the rate of an E-5 with dependents (~$1,800 to $5,000+/month depending on location) and a books & supplies stipend.
Beneficiaries can get up to 36 months of educational benefits, which pay 100 percent of costs.
How Long You Can Use It
Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level and may use the benefit until their 33rd birthday.
Yellow Ribbon Program Access
One major advantage of the Fry Scholarship: Fry Scholarship recipients are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program (effective August 1, 2018). This means Yellow Ribbon Program funds can be applied to tuition and fees at a private school with higher costs than are covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill, at a foreign institution, or at a public school – specifically for individuals who will be considered out-of-state students.
How to Apply
To apply, take your application to your school or employer and ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999c. When applying, you will be required to make an irrevocable election between the Fry Scholarship and the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program to receive benefits. You can also apply online at VA.gov.
Reference: Fry Scholarship Information on VA.gov
Program 2: DEA Program (For Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans)
Who Qualifies
Children or spouses of veterans and servicemembers are eligible for this benefit if the veteran or servicemember is permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability or died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
Children are generally eligible between ages 18 and 26 (can be extended for certain situations).
Benefit Amount & Coverage
The DEA is less generous than the Fry Scholarship but still valuable. It covers education and training expenses through monthly payments. The exact amount depends on the type of education (institutional training, apprenticeships, non-college degree programs, etc.). Dependents cannot receive DEA and another VA education benefit simultaneously.
Eligible dependents can get up to 36 months of educational benefits. Some beneficiaries might qualify for additional months in certain circumstances.
Important Consideration: Must Choose Between DEA and Fry
Eligible dependents may be eligible for both the DEA and the Fry Scholarship. Most will have to choose between the programs when they apply, and they cannot change their minds. This is a critical decision—in most cases, the Fry Scholarship is more valuable if you’re eligible for both.
Marriage and Eligibility
Marriage of a dependent child does NOT terminate eligibility for already-started programs.
How to Apply
You can apply online at VA.gov or submit VA Form 22-5490 to your VA regional office.
Reference: DEA Program Information on VA.gov
Program 3: Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
What This Is
Some service members who are still on active duty can transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse and/or dependent children. Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits can pay for tuition and fees, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and approved testing and licensing/certification fees.
Eligibility Requirements for Service Member
A service member must satisfy all of the following requirements before transferring GI Bill benefits to a dependent: complete at least six years of service on the date your request is approved. Additionally, they must agree to a 4-year service obligation from the date DoD approves the transfer. Separating before the 4-year obligation ends can trigger VA recoupment of all education benefits paid to your dependents.
When You Can Use the Benefits
Children must be at least 18 years old before using transferred benefits. If the service member is still serving, children can begin at 18. If the service member has separated, children must wait until they are 18 and the service member has separated — or until age 23 if the service member is no longer serving. Transferred benefits to children expire when the child turns 26, regardless of when the service member separated.
How the Process Works
The process begins with the service member confirming dependents are in DEERS. If your spouse or child isn’t enrolled, fix that first. Submit the transfer request through milConnect (the military’s Transfer of Education Benefits section), not through the VA. This is a DoD action while they’re serving; the VA only administers the benefit later when the dependent uses it. Designate the months of entitlement to each dependent.
After DoD approves the transfer, each dependent files VA Form 22-1990e (online via VA.gov) to apply for education benefits.
Reference: Transfer Benefits Information on VA.gov
Strategies to Maximize Your Benefits
Strategy 1: Choose Your Program Carefully (DEA vs. Fry)
If you’re eligible for both DEA and Fry, analyze the numbers carefully. The Fry Scholarship is usually worth far more because it includes a housing allowance and caps higher tuition coverage. However, every situation is different. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to compare benefits based on your specific school.
Strategy 2: Explore Yellow Ribbon Schools (Fry or Transferred Benefits)
If you’re using Fry Scholarship or transferred benefits at the 100% level, you can access the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program acts as a critical financial bridge, allowing veterans and their dependents to attend expensive private or out-of-state universities entirely debt-free. A participating university voluntarily agrees to contribute a specific dollar amount toward the veteran’s unmet tuition gap. The VA then matches that exact contribution dollar-for-dollar.
Critical Timing Note: Yellow Ribbon contributions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis at most schools. Apply early. If you enroll mid-year and all slots are filled, you will owe the tuition gap out of pocket for that term even though you qualify on paper.
Search participating schools: Yellow Ribbon School Finder on VA.gov
Strategy 3: Plan Your Timeline Strategically
For transferred benefits from active-duty service members: Do not wait until late in your service career to make transfers; take time to plan everything and make the most of the benefit when needed. The process itself is short, but it has to be done in the right place and at the right time. Confirm your dependents are in DEERS. If your spouse or child isn’t enrolled, fix that first.
You must submit your transfer request and have it approved by the Department of Defense before you separate or retire. Once you leave service without an approved transfer, you cannot start a new transfer later.
Strategy 4: Allocate Benefits Strategically Across Multiple Children
Initially, we recommend allocating atleast one month to each dependent to activate options, and later adjust the allocation, depending on your requirement. You can change these amounts later, even after you separate, as long as some transferred entitlement remains.
Strategy 5: Understand the Housing Allowance Advantage
The housing allowance provided by Fry Scholarship and transferred benefits is based on the school’s zip code, at the rate of an E-5 with dependents (~$1,800 to $5,000+/month depending on location). This is a major financial advantage that DEA doesn’t provide in the same way. If you’re considering schools in expensive areas (California, New York, etc.), the housing allowance difference is substantial.
Strategy 6: Consider Non-Traditional Education Uses
GI Bill benefits can be used for more than traditional four-year degrees. Learn about alternative uses, including:
- Graduate degrees
- Certification and licensing tests
- Flight training
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
- Online and distance learning
- Tutorial assistance
Understanding Your Expectations and Limitations
Realistic Expectation #1: Your Benefits May Not Cover Everything
Even at expensive schools, your benefits have limits. The Fry Scholarship caps tuition at roughly $28,500/year at private schools. If your school costs more, you may need to cover the gap through savings, scholarships, or student loans—unless the school participates in Yellow Ribbon and has available slots.
Realistic Expectation #2: You Must Stay Enrolled and Maintain Satisfactory Progress
The VA will monitor your enrollment status. You must attend school regularly and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school. Dropping classes, withdrawing, or failing grades can affect your benefits.
Realistic Expectation #3: Processing Takes Time
Applications don’t process overnight. Plan for 30-90 days for initial processing. Check your application status regularly and follow up if needed.
Realistic Expectation #4: You’ll Need to Certify Enrollment Each Semester
Your school must certify your enrollment each semester. If your school doesn’t submit certification by your class start date, your benefits won’t pay out on time. This form must be completed every semester a student wants to utilize benefits, and must be redone within 7 days of every change of enrollment, i.e., add, drop, or withdrawal during the semester. Benefits will not be certified if this form is not completed.
Realistic Expectation #5: Age and Timeline Restrictions Are Strict
Transferred benefits to children expire when the child turns 26, regardless of when the service member separated. For Fry Scholarship, you may use the benefit until your 33rd birthday. For DEA, generally ages 18-26. These deadlines are firm.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Use the VA’s eligibility checker to confirm which program(s) you qualify for based on your parent’s service.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll typically need:
- Your veteran parent’s discharge papers (DD Form 214) or service member’s military ID
- Your birth certificate (to prove relationship)
- Your Social Security number
- School information (name, code)
Step 3: Apply Online at VA.gov
Complete your application online at VA.gov. You can also apply with VA Form 22-5490 (Fry/DEA) or Form 22-1990e (transferred benefits), submitted to your regional VA office.
Step 4: Enroll at Your School
Once the VA approves your benefits, enroll at your chosen school. Provide your Certificate of Eligibility to your school’s veteran services office.
Step 5: Verify Enrollment Each Semester
Verify your enrollment each term to ensure benefit payments continue.
Step 6: Monitor Your Remaining Benefits
Check your remaining benefits balance regularly so you know how many months you have left to use.
Getting Help
Understanding and applying for these benefits can be complex. Contact the VA’s Education Benefits team for questions. Many schools also have dedicated veterans services advisors who can help you navigate the process at no cost.
You can also get help from a VA accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which is free.
Key VA Resources
- VA Education Home: https://www.va.gov/education/
- About GI Bill Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
- GI Bill Comparison Tool: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
- Apply for Education Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
- Check Remaining Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/check-remaining-benefits/
- Yellow Ribbon Schools Directory: https://www.va.gov/education/yellow-ribbon-participating-schools/
- Verify School Enrollment: https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/
- VA Contact Information: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/contact_us.asp
- Get Help from a VA Representative: https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
Bottom Line
If you’re the child of a veteran or service member, you may have access to education benefits worth $100,000 or more. The key is understanding which program you qualify for, applying early, and developing a strategic plan to maximize your benefits. Don’t leave this money on the table—start by checking your eligibility today at VA.gov/education.
Information sourced from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) and current military education benefit data as of September 2026. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official VA education website.