Spouses and Dependents

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer (Ch. 33)

Allows Servicemembers to transfer all 36 months or portion of unused benefits (unless number of transferable months is limited) to their spouse and/or dependent child(ren). The Department of Defense (DoD) determines transfer eligibility.

• Open to any member of the armed forces active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted who is eligible for
  the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and meets the criteria listed online.

Spouses

• May start to use the benefit immediately.
• May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
• Are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty.
• A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee s eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an
  individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to
  revoke or modify the transfer at any time.
• If became eligible before 1/1/13, have 15 years from spouse's discharge date to use benefits. If became eligible on or after 1/1/13, not subject to time limitation.

Children

• May start to use the benefit only after individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service.
• May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the armed forces or after separation from active duty.
• May not use the benefit until he or she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or he
  or she has reached age 18.
• Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty.
• Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.
• Marriage will not affect eligibility but individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

• For children and spouses of active duty members killed in line of duty on or after 9/11/01.
• Receive 36 months of entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% rate, including BAH.
• Children are subject to a 15-year time limitation, but may not use the benefit after reaching 33 years of age. If became eligible on or after 1/1/13, not subject to time limitation.
• Spouses lose eligibility after remarriage.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Ch. 35)

• The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers up to 45 months of educational
  benefits to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related
  condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
• May not use the benefit until he or she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or he
  or she has reached age 18. Children cannot use benefits after reaching age 26.

How to use your benefits at SUNY Orange:

• Post-9/11 Transfer Servicemembers apply to transfer benefits and once approved, spouses/dependents complete VA form 22-1990E
• Fry Scholarship and DEA - To apply, complete VA form 22-5490
• Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, please submit it to the SUNY Orange Office of Veterans and Military Services.
• Post-9/11 Transfer and Fry Scholarship -Your tuition and fee payments will be sent directly to SUNY Orange.
  Your housing (BAH) and book stipends will be sent directly to you.
• DEA - Your payments will be sent to you directly, not to SUNY Orange.
• The VA will reimburse you for the cost of approved licensing and certification tests up to $2,000 (e.g. CLEP).
  

Child of Veteran Award Program (CVA)

For children of NY Veterans who suffered a disability of at least 40% as a result of service during war time.

• Annual award of $450. Establish eligibility and apply annually with the FAFSA.