<h1>Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)</h1>
<p><strong>What is the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)?</strong> – Dependents and spouses of eligible veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are able to get assistance to fund their education under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA). This program was established and is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.</p>
<p><strong>What Do the Educational Benefits Under DEA Provide For?</strong> – The DEA provides for education benefits via financial assistance for a maximum of 45 months of which the spouse or dependent of a veteran are enrolled in college. There is no limitation as to the kind of education the recipients should be enrolled into – whether technical or vocational, online, campus, certificate or apprentice. Only spouses of eligible members of the armed forces can use DEA for financing correspondence courses. In special instances are remedial courses covered by this program.</p>
<p><strong>Am I Eligible for DEA?</strong> Eligibility is on the following grounds:</p>
<ul>
<li>A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent disability and is likely to be discharged from the military for that disability.</li>
<li>A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who died from any cause after sustaining injuries while on active duty.</li>
<li>A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who died or is permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained while on active duty.</li>
<li>A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who is missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, foreign power or government.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How Long Can I Use My Education Benefits?</strong> – This benefit is only available for dependents of an eligible veteran who are between ages 18 and 26. Such benefits are not available to people currently in active duty; however, your eligibility for the award may be extended owing to the time you were on active duty. Spouses of eligible veterans have up to a maximum of 10 years to claim the education benefit from the date of eligibility after which it becomes nullified and cannot be approved. Dependents of deceased servicemen have 20 years to utilize their education benefits.</p>