(Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program)
You may be eligible for education benefits as a dependent or survivor if you meet the following criteria. Other eligibility requirements may apply in addition to the information noted below. Contact the Veterans Administration Western Region Office (Muskogee, Oklahoma) at 1-888-442-4551 to discuss your eligibility status. Or visit the Western Region VA Office online at http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/muskogee/index.htm.
You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran or service member 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, OR,
- Died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence, OR,
- Is missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, OR,
- Is forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. If you are in the Armed Forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions. VA can extend your period of eligibility by the number of months and days equal to the time spent on active duty. This extension cannot generally go beyond your 31st birthday, but there are some exceptions.
If you are a spouse, benefits end 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible or from the date of death of the veteran, OR 20 years if death occurred while on active duty.
