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.