Navigating Education Benefits: Understanding the Fry Scholarship and DEA Program
For the family members of Veterans, the path to accessing educational benefits can be complex. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs designed to support the educational goals of spouses and children of Veterans and service members. Among these, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program (Chapter 35) stand out as valuable resources. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these two programs, their eligibility requirements, benefits, and key differences, to help eligible individuals make informed decisions about their educational future.
Eligibility for Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship is specifically designed for the children and surviving spouses of service members who died on or after September 11, 2001, under specific circumstances. To be eligible, one of the following must be true of the service member or member of the Selected Reserve:
- The service member died in the line of duty while serving on active duty.
- The member of the Armed Services died from a service-connected disability within 120 days of being discharged from active duty or released from duty.
- The member of the Selected Reserve died in the line of duty other than active duty.
- The member of the Selected Reserve died from a service-connected disability.
"Other than active duty" implies that they were a member of the Reserve serving on active duty for training or inactive duty training.
Eligibility for DEA Program
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, extends education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans. These include:
- Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition.
- Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
- Veterans who are missing or captured.
Benefits Offered
Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship provides a comprehensive package of educational benefits, including:
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- Payment for in-state tuition and fee costs.
- A monthly housing allowance (BAH).
- A books and supplies stipend.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to 36 months of benefits, covering 100% of educational costs.
DEA Program
The DEA program offers financial assistance for education and training. The benefits can be used for:
- Degree and certificate programs.
- Apprenticeships.
- On-the-job training.
- Correspondence courses.
- Remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses (depending on the circumstances).
If you began using the program before August 1, 2018, you may receive up to 45 months of education benefits. If you began your program on August 1, 2018, or after, you have 36 months to use your benefits.
Payments are made directly to the student and are based on the level of enrollment (full-time vs. part-time).
Key Differences and Considerations
Overlapping Eligibility
In some instances, an individual may be eligible for both the Fry Scholarship and DEA benefits. However, the rules surrounding concurrent usage are specific:
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- If the service member died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, the beneficiary may qualify for both programs but can only use one at a time. In this case, the combined benefits are capped at 81 months of full-time training.
- If the service member died in the line of duty on or after August 1, 2011, the beneficiary may use both the Fry Scholarship and DEA only if they qualify for DEA under a different event. Again, only one program can be used at a time.
In most situations, you will be required to make an irrevocable election between the DEA program and Fry Scholarship when you apply.
Time Limits
- Fry Scholarship: If the service member died before January 1, 2013, children are eligible for the Fry Scholarship until they turn 33 years old. Surviving spouses retain eligibility even if they remarry. If unused Fry Scholarship benefits expired, they may be restored for use anytime after January 2, 2025, even after remarriage.
- DEA Program (for Children):
- There is no time limit if you became eligible for DEA benefits on or after August 1, 2023, or turned 18 on or after August 1, 2023, or completed high school/received your GED on or after August 1, 2023.
- Generally, there is an 8-year limit to use benefits before turning 26 if eligibility was established, 18th birthday occurred, and high school was completed before August 1, 2023. Exceptions may apply if the beneficiary became eligible between 18 and 26, the parent died when the beneficiary was between 18 and 26, or the beneficiary joined the military.
- DEA Program (for Spouses): Eligibility is generally maintained unless the spouse gets divorced or remarries (in which case eligibility is lost, with some exceptions).
Restrictions
- Joining the military: You cannot use either DEA or Fry Scholarship benefits while on active duty. To use the DEA benefit after military service, you cannot have a dishonorable discharge.
Additional Considerations for DEA
- Those eligible as a spouse can receive both DEA and VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments.
- If charges are not paid by the bill due date, the student will be subject to late fees and holds.
Application Process
Fry Scholarship
Apply for VA education benefits for dependents online through the VA website. After applying, notify the certifying official at your school.
DEA Program
- Apply for benefits on the VA website by selecting "Apply for Education Benefits" and answering the questions under "Find your Education Benefits Form." This will direct you to form 22-5490.
- Complete and submit the form. The VA will process the request in approximately 30-45 days.
- Tell the certifying official at your school or training program that you applied for VA education benefits.
- Complete the "VA Enrollment Certification Form" (often found online through the school's student portal) every semester you want to use benefits. This form must be completed and resubmitted within 7 days of any enrollment changes.
Additional Resources
- School Certifying Official: Contact the school's certifying official to ensure the chosen program is approved for VA benefits.
- VA Regional Office: For assistance with the Fry Scholarship and DEA program, contact the VA.
- Mason's Office of Military Services: These offices can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
- Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program (VMSDEP): Virginia residents should review their eligibility for VMSDEP, which provides a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia Tech.
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