How to Use VA Benefits – Dependents

Which VA Benefits Do You Qualify For?

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill® Transfer to Spouse or Children

The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® allows Service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once the DoD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA.

Eligibility: The option to transfer is open to any member of the armed forces active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and meets the following criteria:

  • Has at least six years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date of election.
  • Has at least 10 years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (by Service Branch or DoD) or statute from committing to four additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.
  • Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the armed forces.

Chapter 35: Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) Program

The Survivors’ and DEA program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Eligibility: You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the armed forces.
  • A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A Service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A Service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A Service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective Dec. 23, 2006.

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill® Transfer to Spouse or Children Instructions

If you are the dependent of a veteran and planning to use Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits at Western Washington University:

Eligible service members must transfer their benefits to their dependents and be approved by the Department of Defense.

      • The Transfer of Benefits (TEB) page explains how this is done. Once the transfer request has been completed, you can track the progress here. Once your request is listed as “Request Approved” your information is sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs and you (the dependent) can apply for the benefits.
  • Apply to Western Washington University:
      • Decisions for admittance to Western are generally received 6 weeks after the application deadline.
      • Upon acceptance and confirmation of enrollment to Western contact the Veteran Services Office to schedule a new-student orientation.
  • Apply for Benefits:
      • You should receive a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the VA approximately 6 weeks after completing the application on va.gov. It is important to get a copy of this to the Veteran Service Office on campus (Viking Commons 525) as soon as you do in order to avoid finance and late charges on your account.
  • Apply for Financial Aid:
      • Apply even if you are receiving VA benefits!
    • Meet with an academic advisor to map out a plan of study.
      • Those with below 90 credits who have not yet decided on a major should contact the Academic Advising Center to begin working on their plan of study.
      • Those with 90 credits or above are required to declare a major to use their benefits and should schedule an appointment with an advisor in your major department.
  • Register for Classes:
      • Veterans receive priority registration after completing their first quarter.
  • Submit your Certification Request
      • If this certification request form is not submitted each quarter you wish to use benefits, you will not receive your benefits! This is what our office uses to get your information to the VA so that your payment can be disbursed in a timely manner.

Attend classes, build your community, and access any resources available to help you complete your educational goals.

Chapter 35: Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) Program Instructions

If you are using DEA Program VA educational benefits at Western:

  • Apply to Western Washington University:
      • Decisions for admittance to Western are generally received 6 weeks after the application deadline.
      • Upon acceptance and confirmation of enrollment to Western:
  • Apply for Benefits:
      • You should receive a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the VA approximately 6 weeks after completing the application on va.gov. It is important to get a copy of this to the Veteran Service Office on campus (Viking Commons 525) as soon as you do in order to avoid finance and late charges on your account.
  • Apply for Financial Aid:
      • Apply even if you are receiving VA benefits!
    • Meet with an academic advisor to map out a plan of study.
      • Those with below 90 credits who have not yet decided on a major should contact the Academic Advising Center to begin working on their plan of study.
      • Those with 90 credits or above are required to declare a major to use their benefits and should schedule an appointment with an advisor in your major department.
  • Register for Classes:
      • Veterans receive priority registration after completing their first quarter.
  • Submit your Certification Request
      • If this certification request form is not submitted each quarter you wish to use benefits, you will not receive your benefits! This is what our office uses to get your information to the VA so that your payment can be disbursed in a timely manner.

Attend classes, build your community, and access any resources available to help you complete your educational goals.