Federal Resources & Benefits

U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35)

Dependents’ Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program (Chapter 35, Title 38, U.S.C) offers up to 45 months of education benefits and the benefit is approximately $850 per month. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are currently a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. You will need to complete VA Form 22-5490.

For an application and information on benefits, eligibility, resources, and other necessary information, please visit this site.

THE FRY SCHOLARSHIP (CHAPTER 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Fry Scholarship, (Chapter 33) is available for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This is a newer program and provides different benefits than Chapter 35. You may be eligible for Fry Scholarship benefits if you’re the child or surviving spouse of an active-duty service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

For an application and information on benefits, eligibility, resources, and other necessary information, please visit this site.

Dependency indemnity compensation (DIC)

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly benefit. It is paid to eligible survivors of: service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training, OR veterans who died as a result of a service-connected injury or disease, OR veterans who did not die as a result of a service-connected injury or disease, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability: for at least 10 years before death, OR since their release from active duty and for at least five years before death, OR for at least one year before death, if they were a former prisoner or war and died after Sept. 30, 1999.

For more information on benefits, eligibility, and resources, please view this PDF.

State-Funded Education Benefits

To view a full list of education benefits and waivers by state, please view this PDF.

Non-Profits

FOLDED FLAG FOUNDATION

The Folded Flag Foundation serves to honor the legacy of and pay tribute to the bravest men and women who have given their lives in defense of our country. Our Mission is to provide scholarships and educational support grants to the spouses and children of the United States military and government personnel who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations*. Scholarships and grants are available to qualifying spouses of fallen heroes and their children under the age of 26 to help provide a pathway to success by assisting with a wide range of educational needs, from kindergarten to college/trade school. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides college scholarship grants, along with financial aid and educational counseling, to the children of Special Operations personnel who were killed in an operational mission or training accident.

FREEDOM ALLIANCE

Freedom Alliance is a partner organization to Children of Fallen Patriots. They sponsor educational and charitable initiatives under three main program areas; The Military Leadership Academy, the Support Our Troops program, and the Freedom Alliance’s Scholarship Fund.

Heroes legacy scholarship

The Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001. The program is open to their dependent unmarried children under age 23. A disability is defined as one that results in the service member being eligible for, and receiving, Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) or a permanent and total disability compensation rating of 100%.

Fisher House scholarship program search tool

Find scholarships available for children and spouses of military (active/reserved/retired), and veterans.

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, Inc. of any linked web site or any information, products, or services contained therein. The Foundation does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these linked web sites. Hyperlinks are provided only as a courtesy to our users.