Spouses and Dependents

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

Allows Servicemembers to transfer unused benefits 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.  Eligibility requirements are available online.  
• Servicemembers apply to transfer benefits while still on active duty and once approved, spouses/dependents complete VA form 22-1990E.

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.
• To apply, complete VA form 22-5490

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.
• To apply, complete VA form 22-5490

How to use your benefits at SUNY Orange:

• Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, please submit it to the SUNY Orange Office of Veterans and Military Services at vetaffairs@sunyorange.edu.
• Post-9/11 and Fry Scholarship - tuition and fee payments will be sent directly to SUNY Orange.
  Housing (BAH) and book stipends will be sent directly to the student.
• DEA - payments will be sent to the student directly, not to SUNY Orange. Students are responsible for making payments arrangements for tuition and fees.
• The VA will reimburse for the cost of approved licensing and certification tests up to $2,000 (e.g. CLEP).

New York State Family Benefits 

New York offers several benefit programs for spouses and/or dependents of veterans. Eligibility and application available online.

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
• MERIT Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute
• NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
• Apply annually with the FAFSA.