Financial Aid For Veterans and Dependents

As of 2003, there were 26.4 million veterans of the U.S. Armed Forced living in the United States. Many of these veterans, along with their families, can receive financial aid for their education. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wealth of information on these educational benefits.

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
This program provides up to 45 months of education and training to eligible dependents. Are you eligible? You are if you're the son, daughter or spouse of a veteran who either died, or is disabled as a result of service; is missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force; or is forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power. If you're the son or daughter, you have to be between 18 and 26 years of age. If you're the spouse, you'll need to take advantage of these benefits within 10 years of the date you're found eligible (or from the date of your spouse's death).

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
This program was started as part of the Ronald Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It was designed to provide assistance to members of the Reserve components ordered to active duty in response to war or a national emergency. This program in particular makes certain reservists activated for at least 90 days after 9/11 eligible for education benefits or increased benefits.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
This program is available for those who began active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985, and who elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in this benefit program. Contributions are matched by the government on a $2 for $1 basis.

Work-Study Program
Available for students receiving VA education benefits and attending school three-quarter time or more, this program allows individuals to work for the school veterans office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities or at approved State employment offices. Students earn either the state or Federal minimum wage. ThanksUSA Scholarship Program This is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity that focuses on thanking American troops. The organization sponsors a scholarship program for children and spouses of active-duty U.S. military personnel, providing as many as 1,000 scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000. Eligibility is based on financial need, academic performance, leadership and community service, with a preference for students who have studied a foreign language.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
This organization offers educational assistance to veterans and their dependents. Types of aid include interest-free loans, grants and a scholarship (the American Patriot Scholarship). Further Research There are plenty of other organizations that offer educational help for military personnel, veterans and their dependents.

Check out the following:

• Army Emergency Relief's Dependent Children Education Program
• Spouse Education Program
• Air Force Aid Society's General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
• General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program
• Navy Marine Corps Relief Society's VADM
• E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program
• USS Tennessee Scholarship Fund
• Dependents of Deceased Service Members Scholarship Program
• Admiral Mike Boorda Scholarship Program
• Bridge Loans for Tuition Assistance Program
• GI Bill and Spouse Tuition Aid Program
• Coast Guard Mutual Aid's CGMA Supplemental Education Grant Program
• Stafford/PLUS Loan Origination Fee Refund Program
• CGMA Supplemental Student Loans

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