DEA (Chapter 35) & the Fry Scholarship

DEA — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

DEA pays a monthly stipend directly to the eligible spouse or child while they’re enrolled in approved training — college, technical school, certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training. 38 CFR § 3.807.

Who’s eligible

• Spouse of a veteran rated 100% P&T, OR who died from a SC condition, OR who is MIA / a POW
• Child of the same — typically used between ages 18 and 26

Time limits

• Children typically use benefits between ages 18 and 26 (the “delimiting date”). If the qualifying event was on or after Aug 1, 2023, there is no age cutoff.
• Spouses historically had 10 years from the VA’s P&T determination — or 20 years if the vet died on active duty. For qualifying events on or after Aug 1, 2023, the time limit is removed.

Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship is the survivor’s version of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). For most post-9/11 KIA families it’s materially more generous than DEA — but it’s narrower in who it covers.

Who’s eligible

• Children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 11, 2001
• Includes deaths on active duty AND deaths in Selected Reserve service when the death is connected to that service

What you get

• 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public schools
• Up to a nationally-capped amount at private and foreign schools (the same cap as Post-9/11 GI Bill)
• Monthly housing allowance based on the ZIP code of the school
• Annual books and supplies stipend (up to $1,000)
• Up to 36 months of benefits

DEA vs. Fry — side by side

Note: If you’re eligible for both DEA and Fry, you pick one. You generally can’t collect both for the same period of training. The Fry Scholarship is the right choice for most post-9/11 KIA survivors attending public schools.

How to apply

1. File VA Form 22-5490 — “Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits.”
2. Apply online at va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits.
3. Once approved you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring it to the school’s VA certifying official before classes start so they can enter the enrollment.