Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)
The DEA program provides up to 45 months of education benefits and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans.
- To be eligible, the individual must be a spouse, son, or daughter who:
- Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled as the result of, or dies of, a service-connected disability
- Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability who dies from any cause
- Service member who is missing in action or is captured in line of duty and is currently being held by a hostile force
- Service member who is currently being forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power
- Spouse benefits end 10 years from the date VA determines eligible or from the date of death of the veteran
- Children receive benefits for attending school or job training between the ages of 18 and 26
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