Virginia Department of Veterans Services – Education
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
The Military Survivors and Dependents Program (MSDEP) provides
education benefits to spouses and children of military service
members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at
least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an
armed conflict. Military service includes service in the United
States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, the
Virginia National Guard, or the Virginia National Guard Reserves.
Armed conflict includes military operations against terrorism or as
the result of a terrorist act, a peace-keeping mission, or any armed
conflict after December 6, 1941. This program may pay for tuition
and fees at any state-supported college or university. This program
waives tuition and fees in Virginia. Benefits are available for up
to four years.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, children and spouses of qualifying military
service members must meet the following requirements.
- The child must be between ages 16 and 29; There are no age restrictions
for spouses.
- The military service member is and must have been a Virginia citizen at
the time he or she entered active duty or must have been a Virginia citizen
for at least five years immediately prior to the date of the application for
admission.
- In the case of a deceased military service member the veteran’s
surviving spouse can meet the residency requirements if he or she lived in
Virginia for at least five years prior to marrying the military service
member or has been a citizen of Virginia for at least five years immediately
prior to the date of application.
Required Documentation
In most cases, eligibility will be determined using documentation
from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the veteran
or surviving spouse may be asked to provide documentation verifying
residency or the applicant’s age or relationship. State income tax
records, birth certificates, and/or marriage certificates are
usually sufficient.
Recertification
To continue receiving MSDEP benefits, qualifying enrolled
students must provide a letter to the Virginia Department of
Veterans Services stating their continued enrollment, the period of
time attended, and the period of time for which they are requesting
benefits.
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