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Two distinct federal programs provide education benefits to dependents of disabled or deceased service members and veterans: Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) and the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. Each serves a different population with different benefit structures. Understanding which program applies to a specific family and how to maximize the benefits requires careful analysis of eligibility and benefit levels.
Chapter 35 DEA provides educational benefits to spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally (P&T) disabled from service-connected conditions, who died of service-connected conditions, who died while P&T for any cause, or who are missing in action or captured. The program is authorized under 38 USC Chapter 35 and provides up to 45 months (for applications starting before August 1, 2018) or 36 months (for later starts) of education assistance.
Chapter 35 pays a monthly stipend based on enrollment status. For 2026, full-time enrollment pays approximately $1,500 per month, with proportional amounts for part-time enrollment. The benefit can be used for degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Flight training, correspondence, and certain other programs have modified benefit structures.
Eligibility periods for Chapter 35 vary. Spouses have up to 10 years from the date the VA determines the veteran's P&T status, or the date of the veteran's death for death-related eligibility. Children are eligible between their 18th and 26th birthdays, with extensions possible for active duty service or certain other circumstances.
The Fry Scholarship is a different program with broader benefit levels but narrower eligibility. It provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. The program is authorized under 38 USC 3311(b)(9) and provides the same benefits as the Post-9/11 GI Bill for the primary service member, including tuition, housing allowance, and books stipend.
Fry Scholarship benefits include full tuition and fees at public schools at in-state rates, or up to approximately $27,000 per academic year at private schools (2026 rate). A monthly housing allowance based on the school's zip code, calculated at the E-5 with dependents Basic Allowance for Housing rate, is provided for full-time students attending resident programs. A books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per academic year is also provided.
Fry Scholarship eligibility for children begins at age 18 and extends until age 33, or the death of the child, whichever comes first. Surviving spouses become eligible on the date of the service member's death. Spouses lose eligibility upon remarriage unless the remarriage occurs after age 57 or ends in divorce.
For children who qualify for both Chapter 35 and the Fry Scholarship, they must choose one. The Fry Scholarship is generally the more valuable option due to the higher benefit amounts, but the choice is irrevocable. Factors to consider include the type of school (public versus private), whether housing allowance would be significant, and the total expected education costs.
Application for Chapter 35 is made on VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. Application for the Fry Scholarship is made on the same form, with indication of which program the applicant is electing. Once elected, the choice is binding and cannot be switched later.
Supplemental benefits may be available for both programs. Chapter 35 and Fry Scholarship recipients can apply for work-study positions through the VA. Certain state veterans affairs departments provide additional benefits to dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Private scholarships specifically for military dependents exist through various organizations.
Advance planning for education benefits is important. Families should establish eligibility status with the VA well before the intended education start date. The VA typically processes education applications within several weeks, but delays can occur. Early planning allows time to address any documentation gaps.
School selection can affect benefit value. Public in-state schools typically produce the lowest out-of-pocket cost since the Fry Scholarship covers full tuition. Private schools or out-of-state public schools may involve some out-of-pocket costs depending on the institution's participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program and other cost-sharing arrangements.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is not available under Chapter 35 but is available under the Fry Scholarship. This program allows participating schools to contribute additional funds to cover tuition and fees beyond the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill cap, with matching funds from the VA. Yellow Ribbon can substantially reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs at private institutions.
Transfer of education benefits from the service member to dependents is possible for Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries who apply while still in service and serve additional obligated time. This is a different pathway than Chapter 35 or Fry and allows active service members to transfer up to 36 months of their own GI Bill benefits to spouses or children.
The Claim Recon platform provides information on education benefits but does not process benefit applications. Families should work directly with the VA or with an accredited VSO for benefit applications. School veterans affairs offices can also help navigate the application process.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. Education benefit programs are subject to change. Always verify current criteria at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO or school veterans affairs office before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by Claim Recon Editorial