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As a Survivor Child, What GI Bill Benefits Do I Have?

September 10th, 2010
by Ron Kness
I am the child of a deceased Air Force Veteran and I am trying to find out about the Montgomery G.I. Bill that he left behind. I’m not sure how it works or how much it covers, so all I’m really looking for is general information. I need to know if it covers all or some of college tuition, boarding, books, and other fees. I’ve done a little research on my own, but have not found quite what I’m looking for. Any information is appreciated! – J.S.

Generally speaking J.S., the Montgomery GI Bill is not transferable to dependents, so unless your dad took advantage of the transfer option during the short time the Air Force had their transfer pilot project, I doubt if you have any GI Bill to use, however, it sounds you might qualify for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program (DEA).

Under that program, you can get up to 45 months of education benefit, payable at $936 per month starting on October 1, 2010, if you go to school full-time. You will have to pay all your education-related expenses from that amount – tuition, fees, books, room and board, etc.

To be eligible for the program, your dad would have had to pass away as a result from a service-connected disability, injury or accident. To apply, send in VA Form 22-5490.

If you qualify for DEA benefits, you can start using the program once you turn 18 and you must finish using your 45 months of benefits before turning age 26. Any unused benefits at that point, you lose.

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Posted in Dependents' and Survivors' Education Assistance Program, Montgomery G I Bill | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to “As a Survivor Child, What GI Bill Benefits Do I Have?”

  1. Lisa says:
    November 8, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    My dad was in the air force and passed away while still in the service. What i am wondering, Is my daughter My dads granddaughter entitled to any benefits? I know i was at her age. Also do i still have any benefits that i am unaware of? I think i can go shop at the comasaray ( think i spelt that wrong ) but i need to know how and where to get my card. I really hope you can give me some answers. Thank you for your time.

  2. Ron Kness says:
    November 13, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Grandchildren are not covered by GI bill benefits unless he had actually adopted her; then she would be considered a dependent and depending on her age, she may have been eligible for education benefits under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program (DEA). Depending on your age, (under age 26) as a deceased veterans daughter, you may qualify for DEA.

    My specialty is GI Bill education benefits, so I can’t give you an accurate answer on your other benefits. I recommend contacting the VA and asking them about benefits you may have and not be aware of and if you qualify for a card.

    Ron

  3. Lucia Rivera says:
    April 15, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    My dad was in the air force during the vietnam war and has recently passed away im just starting to get into school and i was wondering if i qualify for any gi bill, cause i’ve never actually tried to look it up until now. and if so what are the benifits that come with it.

  4. Ron Kness says:
    May 1, 2012 at 8:05 am

    If he was in Vietnam, any GI Bill benefits he had have expired.

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