May 13, 2023

Find Out Here If You’re Eligible for This Program

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The VA has established many programs that intend to help our nation’s active-duty service members and veterans, as well as their families. For dependents of veterans, one of the programs they may qualify for is the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program, which offers up to 36 months of educational benefits (also known as Chapter 35 benefits).

Anyone qualified for the program may use the benefits to pursue college or graduate degree courses, educational and career counseling, career-training certificate courses, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. The program also pays for their tuition at public schools in the United States.

Who Are Eligible?

To be eligible for the DEA Program, you must be the spouse, son, or daughter of:

• A veteran who died or is permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability;
• A veteran who died from any cause while they had a VA-recognized service-connected disability;
• A service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty; and
• A service member whom the VA determines has a service-connected permanent and total disability and, at the time of determination, is a military member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment.

So, if you’re the spouse or child of a veteran or service member who is either deceased, missing, captured, or disabled, you may be eligible to get financial assistance for schooling or job training through the DEA program.

Rules for Spouses

If you’re a spouse, your benefits will end either 10 years from the date the VA approves your eligibility or from the date your loved one died.

If you’re the spouse of a service member who died on active duty, your benefits will end 20 years after their death.

If you divorce the veteran, your benefits will end on the date of divorce.

If you remarry before turning 57 years old, your benefits will end on the date of remarriage.

Rules for Children

If you’re the child of a veteran or service member, you must be between 18 and 26 years of age to receive the benefits, except in certain cases. Your marital status won’t be a factor.

If you join the military, you can’t use your benefits while on active duty. The VA can extend your period of eligibility, but it cannot go past your 31^st birthday. Additionally, if you plan to use them after leaving the service, you should be without any dishonorable discharge.

What Benefits Are in Store for Qualified Dependents?

Once you’ve been qualified for the program, you can get access to benefits for a wide range of training, such as:

• Undergraduate and graduate degree programs at colleges or universities;
• Cooperative training programs and accredited independent study programs offered through distance education;
• Certificate programs at colleges, universities, or vocational schools;
• Apprenticeships or OJT programs offered by companies or unions;
• Overseas programs that lead to college degrees;
• High school programs after age 18 (if you haven’t graduated high school);
• Preparatory courses for college or graduate school entrance examinations;
• Farm cooperative courses; and
• Correspondence courses for spouses or surviving spouses.

You may also use your benefits for special programs under specific conditions. For instance, if you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from pursuing an educational program, you can be eligible to receive Special Restorative Training or Specialized Vocational Training.

If you have a deficiency in a subject, you can receive a special allowance (maximum monthly payment of $100) for individual tutoring as long as it takes place in school. The school must certify the tutor’s qualifications and hours of tutoring.

Taking a test to obtain a license or certification is another instance where you can use your benefits. You can receive reimbursement for the cost of the test, which is up to $2,000 per test. And, you can take as many tests as needed.

For a complete, detailed guide, here’s a PDF pamphlet prepared by the VA.

You Can Do Something to Support Needy Vets and Their Families, Too!

Although the government provides various forms of assistance to veterans, many of them are unavailable to qualify for them and are living miserable lives. It’s all up to charitable organizations and individuals to extend them a helping hand.

You can pitch in by donating any vehicle you no longer need to us at Veteran Car Donations. We will use your donation to improve the living conditions of the many suffering veterans in your local area.

We work together with reputable IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to former service members who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, and illnesses, including mental health issues.

Once we get hold of your donated automobile, we’ll put it up for auction, with the proceeds going straight to our nonprofit partners, helping finance their programs that provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, scholarships, and many other benefits.

You will also benefit from your charitable contribution as it will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Also, you won’t have to pay for the towing of your car since we’ll do it for you for free wherever you are in the United States.

Aside from the material rewards in store for you as our donor, you’ll also be privileged to enjoy a most satisfying donating experience, knowing that your act of charity will help transform the lives of our nation’s heroes.

We accept almost all types of vehicles regardless of age, mileage, or condition. Visit this page to learn what else you can donate aside from standard cars.

For more information regarding our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or write to us here. We’ll promptly respond to you.

Be a Part of Our Life-Changing Mission for Veterans Today!

Photo by IIONA VIRGIN under Unsplash License

After putting their lives on the line for us, our retired troops deserve to experience a decent and dignified life. You can help make that happen with your car donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now! 

Last Updated: October 30th, 2023