General Overview
The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of veterans who died while active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Basic Eligibility
Website: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
Spouse, children of a veteran and/or service member who meets at least one of the following requirements:
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Is determined to be permanently and totally disabled from service connected causes.
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Is on active duty and is likely to be discharged with a permanent and total disability.
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Died in service.
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Died of service connected causes.
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Is currently missing in action or caputured in the line of duty.
To Enroll
- The spouse/dependent must complete and return the following paperwork to the VA Regional Processing Office or apply online through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
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Dependent's Application for VA Educational Assistance: VA Form 22-5490
Required Forms
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Submit Certificate of Eligibility (received in the mail from the VA after processing application for benefits) to UC Merced's Veteran Certifying Official.
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Each semester, the student must fill out a Veteran Enrollment Card and submit to UC Merced's Veteran Certifying Official no later than 30 days after the start of the semester.
Changes to Schedule
- All changes to the spouse/dependents schedule (major/minor, adds, drops, class cancellations, and/or withdrawals) must be reported to UC Merced's Veteran Certifying Official.
- If you are transferring in from another school you are required to complete and return VA Form 22-5495 to the VA Regional Processing Office.
Contact Information
UC Merced's Veteran Certifying Official
209-228-7641 | veteranservices@ucmerced.edu
Veterans Administration Educational Office
888-442-4551
Veterans Administration Direct Deposit Information
888-838-2778
