Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
Program at a Glance
- Location: Virginia (public colleges and universities)
- Status: Open; benefits need an enrollment update each semester
- Maximum benefit: A tuition and mandatory fee waiver for up to eight semesters, and a stipend for some families
- Who it’s for: Spouses and children of veterans rated totally and permanently disabled or at least 90% disabled from service, and survivors of service members killed, missing or held as prisoners of war in combat
- How to apply: Register for a VMSDEP account, request veteran verification, then apply for benefits
- Last verified: November 2026
About the Program
There are two tiers. Tier 1 is for dependents of a veteran the VA rates totally and permanently disabled, or at least 90% permanently disabled, due to military service. Tier 2 is for survivors of a service member killed, missing or taken prisoner in combat, or rated 90% or more disabled from combat service. Both tiers get a tuition and mandatory fee waiver at a Virginia public college or university for up to eight semesters, the equivalent of four academic years. Tier 2 also gets a one-time stipend each semester toward costs like room, board, books and supplies, with the amount set each year. Stepchildren qualify only under Tier 2, and must be 16 to 29 and claimed by the service member on a tax return or in DEERS. You apply through the state’s VMSDEP portal and need proof of service, such as a DD-214, proof of Virginia residency if Virginia isn’t the veteran’s home of record, disability rating documents and proof of dependency. You update your enrollment each semester you plan to use the benefit. The state’s page cuts off some of the spouse and child criteria, so call the VMSDEP office at (804) 225-2083 to confirm yours.
Official source: Virginia Department of Veterans Services: Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
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Last checked Nov 10, 2026.