As a dependent of a veteran, you may have access to valuable educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can be used to help pay for tuition, housing, and other education-related costs at institutions like the University of Montana (UM).
Understanding how to tap into these benefits can make a significant difference in your educational journey, so let’s walk through how you can use your parents' VA education benefits to attend UM.
If you have ever questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to UM’s Military and Veterans Service Office (MVSO)
Understanding the VA Education Benefits for Dependents
There are two primary educational programs available to dependents of veterans through the VA:
Post-9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33 (Transfer of Benefits)
If your parent is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, they can transfer some or all of their benefits to you if they have served at least six years in the military and commit to additional service.
The parent must transfer the benefits while they are still serving. Transferred benefits are a great option for dependent children who want to pursue a college education. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® transfer program, you can receive full tuition coverage, a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
Read More: Transfer Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits (VA.gov)
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program Chapter 35 (DEA)
This program provides up to 45 months of education benefits for the children or spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled (100% VA rating) due to service-related conditions, or who died in the line of duty.
The DEA provides a monthly benefit for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The monthly benefit stipend is paid directly to the student.
Read More: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (VA.gov)
How to Apply for Your Parents' VA Education Benefits
To use your parent's VA education benefits to attend the University of Montana, you will need to follow these steps:
Determine Your Eligibility and Apply
Before anything, confirm that you are eligible to use your parents’ VA education benefits. Here’s how:
Post-9/11 GI Bill® Transfer of Benefits
Your parent needs to have transferred their GI Bill® benefits to you while they were still serving in the military. Check to see if benefits were transferred through the VA’s Transfer of Benefits portal or the parent’s milConnect profile. The parent can view how their education benefits are currently assigned, and view or change the number of months assigned to dependents.
You can apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Eligibility benefit through the VA website: How To Apply For The GI Bill And Related Benefits | Veterans Affairs
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
If your parent is deceased or permanently disabled as a result of military service, you can apply for the DEA benefits. The VA determines eligibility for this program based on your parent’s parents’ service records and status.
Apply for the Survivors' and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program by filling out VA Form 22-5490 through the VA’s online application system. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility confirming your benefit eligibility.
What Benefits You Can Expect at the University of Montana
Once you've applied for and received the appropriate VA education benefits, you can use them at the University of Montana to help cover various educational expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Transfer of Benefits)
Tuition and Fees: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers the full cost of tuition at UM at the in-state rate. If you're a non-resident student, upon activating your VA benefits, you will be considered an in-state student for residency rates. The GI Bill covers all mandatory fees in addition to tuition.
Housing Allowance: You’ll receive a monthly housing allowance based on the U.S. Department of Defense’s BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rates for the area in which UM is located. The housing allowance is based on full-time enrollment (12 credits for an undergraduate) and may be prorated depending on your class load and the number of days in class each month.
Books and Supplies: You’ll receive a stipend to help cover the costs of books and supplies for each semester, up to a certain amount.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
Monthly Allowance: DEA benefits provide a monthly stipend for tuition, fees, and living expenses. The exact amount varies, but it can significantly offset the costs of attending UM.
Maximizing Your Benefits and Resources
To make the most of your parent’s VA education benefits while attending the University of Montana:
- Apply early: Start the process early to ensure there are no delays in receiving your benefits. The VA can take several weeks to process your application, so getting it done as soon as possible is key.
- Stay in touch with the Military and Veterans Services Office: They will help you with everything from managing your benefits to navigating academic life. Stay in touch to ensure you’re getting the full support you need.
- Take advantage of Financial Aid and Scholarships: There are often additional scholarships available specifically for military/veteran dependents. Apply for scholarships that you can use for additional expenses. Ensure to complete the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Using your parents' VA education benefits to attend the University of Montana is a fantastic way to reduce the financial burden of higher education while honoring their service. Whether you’re eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Transfer of Benefits) or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA), the benefits can significantly offset tuition, fees, and living expenses.
With the support of the Military and Veterans Services office, scholarships, and other resources, you can enjoy a fulfilling academic experience at UM. Make sure to start the application process early, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Military and Veteran Services Office for assistance.
Pat Beckwith is the Director of Military and Veteran Services. He is a West Point graduate with four combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. Pat currently serves in the Montana Army National Guard.
