Education and career benefits for family members

As the family member of a Veteran, you may be eligible for VA education benefits, including money for school or to help you cover expenses while you’re training for a job. Find out how to get and manage these benefits.

Get education and career benefits

If you’re the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, they may be able to transfer their education benefits to you. Find out if you can use transferred education benefits.
If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for DEA. We’ll send you monthly payments to help cover the costs of education and training programs.
If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a service member or member of the Selected Reserve who died on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship. Benefits include money for tuition, housing, books, and supplies.
If you’re a Fry Scholar or you’re using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, find out if you’re eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.
If you’re a Fry Scholar in a STEM field, find out if you can get added benefits through this scholarship.
Find out how our work-study program can help you earn money while you’re enrolled in a college, vocational school, or professional training program.
Find out if you can get paid back for the cost of certain tests you need to take. This includes tests to become a licensed or certified professional—or to apply for college or a training course.
Find out if you’re eligible for free educational and career counseling, resume support, and help finding a job or training program.

Additional benefits and services

Benefits for birth defects linked to Agent Orange

If you’re the child of a Veteran and you have spina bifida or certain other birth defects, find out if you can get job training and other VA benefits.

Career resources for military and Veteran spouses

If you’re the spouse or surviving spouse of a service member or Veteran, find out if you’re eligible for the Defense Department’s Spouse Education Career Opportunities (SECO) program. And learn about other resources to help you build your career or start a small business.

Helpful tools

GI Bill Comparison Tool

Compare GI Bill benefits at approved schools and employers.

Find a Yellow Ribbon school

Search for schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Manage your education and career benefits

More information and resources

Find resources to search for GI Bill approved schools, compare the benefits you’ll receive at different schools, and get more advice to help you choose a school.
If you’re using DEA benefits in a non-college degree program, learn how to verify your enrollment each month.
Find out how to give us feedback about your GI Bill school.

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a Veteran, find out if you can get VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). This is a tax-free monetary benefit.
If you’re the surviving spouse or unmarried dependent child of a Veteran with wartime service, find out if you can get a VA Survivors Pension.
If you’re the surviving spouse of a Veteran, you may be eligible for a VA-backed home loan. Find out how to get a home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Find out if you qualify for health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA is for the spouses, dependents, and survivors of Veterans and service members who meet certain requirements.