Military

1. Chapter 35: DEA (Dependents’ Educational Assistance)

 • What it is: A federal VA program offering monthly payments for education and training to eligible dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to service.

 • Covers: College, vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, and more.

 • Website: VA.gov Chapter 35

2. Fry Scholarship

 • Who qualifies: Children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

 • Benefit: Pays full in-state tuition and fees, plus a housing allowance and books.

 • Note: Often paired with the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if the family didn’t use them.

3. State-Specific Veteran Education Benefits

 • Many states offer free or discounted tuition at public colleges for dependents of disabled veterans. Examples:

 • Texas: Hazlewood Act (up to 150 hours tuition exemption)

 • California: College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (Plan A, B, C, D)

 • Florida: Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)

 • Action: Search “[your state] + disabled veteran dependent college benefits”

4. American Legion Legacy Scholarship

 • Eligibility: Children of post-9/11 veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher.

 • Amount: Up to $20,000 annually, renewable.

 • Website: legion.org/scholarships/legacy

5. Folds of Honor

 • Eligibility: Dependents of fallen or disabled service members.

 • Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year.

 • Website: foldsofhonor.org

6. ThanksUSA Scholarship

 • Eligibility: Dependents of active-duty, retired, or disabled veterans.

 • Amount: $3,000 average per year.

 • Website: thanksusa.org

7. Veterans United Foundation Scholarship

 • Eligibility: Children and spouses of veterans or active service members.

 • Focus: Financial need, community service.

 • Website: veteransunited.com/foundation/scholarships

✅ Next Steps

 • Check with the financial aid office at your child’s college they often know about state-level or school-specific scholarships for veteran families.

 • Apply early many of these programs have deadlines in spring or early summer.

 • Stack these scholarships and benefits before considering federal loans like Parent PLUS.