Survivors
Education & Career Benefits
Money for school or job training for family members through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35) or the Fry Scholarship.
Who this is for
In plain language
What Education & Career Benefits covers
- DEA / Chapter 35 helps spouses and children of certain disabled or deceased veterans pay for school and training
- The Fry Scholarship supports children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty
- A veteran may transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child
- Covers tuition, and in some cases a housing allowance and money for books
The full picture
Everything you need to know
Nothing hidden behind a click. Here is the whole story in plain language, so you can decide what fits your situation.
Key facts & current figures
- DEA (Chapter 35) generally provides up to 36 to 45 months of education benefits, with monthly rates set each year.
- The Fry Scholarship pays Post-9/11 GI Bill-level benefits (tuition, a housing allowance, and a books stipend) for children/spouses of those who died in the line of duty.
- A veteran can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill months to a spouse or child, but the transfer must be requested while still serving.
- Time limits vary by program and the survivor's age, so it is worth comparing which benefit gives the most.
General figures, current as of December 2025 and reviewed each year. Your exact amount depends on your situation - always confirm on va.gov.
DEA (Chapter 35) vs. the Fry Scholarship - which pays more
- DEA / Chapter 35 is for the spouse and children of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from service, or who has died. It pays a set monthly amount, generally for 36 to 45 months.
- The Fry Scholarship pays at the Post-9/11 GI Bill level - tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend - for the children and spouses of a service member who died in the line of duty on or after Sept 11, 2001.
- A person usually cannot use both programs for the same months, so it is worth comparing which one gives more before choosing.
Time limits depend on age and program
- A surviving spouse generally has 10 years to use DEA, and sometimes up to 20 years if the veteran died on active duty. A dependent child usually uses it between ages 18 and 26.
- The Fry Scholarship has no expiration date for those who became eligible on or after Jan 1, 2013.
Transferring the Post-9/11 GI Bill to family
- A service member can transfer unused GI Bill months to a spouse or child, but the request must be made while still serving, and it comes with an added service commitment.
- This transfer cannot be started after leaving the military, so it is a decision families need to make early.
Your family’s complete benefit picture
You do not have to sort this out alone
Education & Career Benefits often stacks with the other benefits below. Our free assistant explains it in plain language, and an accredited specialist can review your situation at no cost.
A clear path forward
Your step-by-step action plan
No rush and no pressure - but a little order helps. Applying is always free.
First
See what you qualify for
Money for school or job training for family members through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35) or the Fry Scholarship.
Gather
Collect your documents
Pull your DD-214 and any records that support your claim - we can help you figure out exactly what you need.
File it - always free
Apply for the benefit
Apply online at va.gov for the program that fits (VA Form 22-5490 for DEA/Fry). We can help you compare which benefit gives the most support.
Who to call & where to go
These are free, official VA lines. Have your Social Security number handy when you call.
Education / GI Bill
GI Bill, DEA (Chapter 35), and the Fry Scholarship.
VA Benefits Hotline
Compensation, pension, and general claim questions.
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702-992-4883Not sure where to start?
Apply online at va.gov for the program that fits (VA Form 22-5490 for DEA/Fry). We can help you compare which benefit gives the most support.
More support for survivors & family
These often go hand in hand - tap any card to learn more.
Get a free benefit review
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