The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) offers education benefits to spouses and children of qualifying military service members. Administered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS), this program provides assistance for up to eight semesters at Virginia’s public colleges and universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Virginia.
- Relationship to Service Member:
- Spouses and children of military service members who are:
- Killed in action.
- Missing in action.
- Taken prisoner.
- Rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90% permanently disabled due to military service.
- Spouses and children of military service members who are:
- Age Requirements:
- Children: Must be between 16 and 29 years old.
- Spouses: No age restrictions apply.
- Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a Virginia public college or university.
Benefits Provided:
- Tuition and Mandatory Fees: Waiver of all tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students.
- Stipend Assistance: A stipend of up to $2,000 per academic year to offset other educational expenses, subject to available funding.
Application Process:
- Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of Virginia residency.
- Proof of the service member’s disability rating or qualifying status.
- Proof of dependency (e.g., birth certificate, marriage license).
- Complete the Application:
- Access and submit the online application through the VMSDEP portal.
- Submit Application by Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: May 1
- Spring Semester: September 1
- Summer Semester: December 15
Contact Information:
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services
- Address: James Monroe Building 101 North 14th Street, 17th Floor Richmond, VA 23219
- Phone: 804-786-0286
- Fax: 804-786-0302
- Email: martina.murray@dvs.virginia.gov
For more detailed information and to apply, visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services VMSDEP page.
This program is a valuable resource for families of military service members, providing essential support to achieve educational goals within Virginia.