Posted on Aug 31, 2023
Is an unused GI Bill available for the grandchildren of a 100% total and permanently disabled veteran?
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I am a survivor spouse - my husband was %100 Total & Permanently Disabled! Is the GIBill available for his Grandchildren? He did not use and we did not know we could get it for our children when they went to college!
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 6
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Since this question was unanswered and you came to RP for guidance I am concerned that you may not have dug into what you as a spouse may be authorized now that your Service member has passed. I recommend that you reach out to the DAV if you have not already.
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COL Randall C.
Ann Abel - DAV is the Disabled American Veterans. The DAV is one of the Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) that can assist in a wife range of programs that a disabled veteran and/or the spouse/children of the disabled veteran has access to. A VSO will also help you free of charge in processing the paperwork and navigating the process for those benefits.
You can also contact your state's Veterans Affairs office (it's can be called by a different name in different states) - do a quick internet search for your state and 'Veterans Affairs office' (i.e., Virginia Veterans Affairs office) and it should give you a link to them.
I mentioned the state's office because, depending on the state, there could also be a number of programs that are available though them that a VSO might not be aware of (don't do this instead of contacting a VSO - do this in addition to contacting a VSO).
You can also contact your state's Veterans Affairs office (it's can be called by a different name in different states) - do a quick internet search for your state and 'Veterans Affairs office' (i.e., Virginia Veterans Affairs office) and it should give you a link to them.
I mentioned the state's office because, depending on the state, there could also be a number of programs that are available though them that a VSO might not be aware of (don't do this instead of contacting a VSO - do this in addition to contacting a VSO).
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A qualified "Yes", but not in the way you are likely thinking. As to his grandchildren - No.
If your husband converted his GI Bill to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (called Chapter 33 benefits) and had an approved transferred to your child while he was in the service, you could. Based on your question, I assume he never did, however you can double-check by contacting a VA education counselor at [login to see] and confirming.
The qualified “Yes” is because as the spouse or child of a veteran that is “permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability”, you meet the basic eligibility for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 benefits)* as long as your son meets the age eligibility requirements (between the ages of 18 and 26).
Follow the link to find out the details of the program and how to apply.
As a related question – are you receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)*? If not, double-check the eligibility.
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* https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
* https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
If your husband converted his GI Bill to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (called Chapter 33 benefits) and had an approved transferred to your child while he was in the service, you could. Based on your question, I assume he never did, however you can double-check by contacting a VA education counselor at [login to see] and confirming.
The qualified “Yes” is because as the spouse or child of a veteran that is “permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability”, you meet the basic eligibility for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 benefits)* as long as your son meets the age eligibility requirements (between the ages of 18 and 26).
Follow the link to find out the details of the program and how to apply.
As a related question – are you receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)*? If not, double-check the eligibility.
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* https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
* https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs
Learn about the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities, you may be able to get help paying for school or job training through the DEA program—also called Chapter 35. Find out if you’re eligible for this benefit.
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COL Randall C.
Ann Abel - Your son would be eligible for DIC after turning 18 if he's enrolled in college (up to age 23), but he cannot receive DIC and DEA at the same time.
You however, are eligible to continue with the additional $387.15 for him until he is 23 as long as he is enrolled (plus the rate if going to him directly would be $60 less and you would have to drop it from your DIC payments).
You however, are eligible to continue with the additional $387.15 for him until he is 23 as long as he is enrolled (plus the rate if going to him directly would be $60 less and you would have to drop it from your DIC payments).
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Short answer is no. Spouse and children only under some circumstances. The rules. https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
VA education benefits for survivors and dependents | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits for dependents and survivors (also called Chapter 35 benefits). If you’re a dependent spouse or child—or the surviving spouse or child—of a Veteran, you may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits or job training through a GI Bill program.
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