Virginia House and Senate Reinstates Military Tuition Program

In a rare unanimous agreement, the Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate have reinstated the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which offers free college tuition at state schools for families of military veterans who were killed or seriously disabled while on active duty. The vital initiative aims to support the families of these military heroes in accessing higher education. This reinstatement not only honors the commitment to those who have served but also reinforces the crucial role of education. Senate Bill 6011 underscores the importance of continuing promised benefits and investing in the future of our military community.

Details of Senate Bill 6011

Senate Bill 6011, as detailed in the Virginia Legislative Information System, outlines the key provisions of the reinstated Program. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is a vital initiative designed to provide educational benefits to the dependents and survivors of military service members. This program reflects Virginia’s commitment to supporting military families by offering financial assistance and access to higher education. Below, we highlight the key eligibility criteria and provisions of the VMSDEP.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the VMSDEP, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, which are as follows:

1. Residency: The applicant must be a Virginia resident. This includes dependents and survivors who have established residency in Virginia.
2. Military Service Connection:
   • The service member must be a veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
   • The veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 90% or higher, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or the veteran must have died as a result of military service or a service-connected condition.
   • Alternatively, the service member may have been declared missing in action, a prisoner of war, or killed in action.
3. Relationship to the Service Member:
   • The applicant must be the spouse, surviving spouse, or a child of the eligible service member. Children must be between the ages of 16 and 29 at the time of application.
4. Academic Requirements:
   • Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education in Virginia. This includes state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges.

Provisions of the Program

The VMSDEP offers several key benefits to eligible participants, aimed at reducing the financial burden of higher education:

1. Tuition and Fees:
   • The program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia’s public colleges and universities. This includes undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring that dependents and survivors can pursue higher education without the barrier of tuition costs.
2. Stipend for Educational Expenses:
   • In addition to covering tuition and fees, the VMSDEP provides a stipend to help with other educational expenses. This stipend can be used for textbooks, supplies, room and board, and other related costs. The exact amount of the stipend is determined annually based on available funding and the number of eligible participants.
3. Duration of Benefits:
   • Benefits under the VMSDEP are available for up to four years of undergraduate study. This provision ensures that dependents and survivors have adequate support to complete their degree programs.
4. Flexibility and Support:
   • The program is designed to offer flexibility, allowing eligible participants to attend any public institution of higher education in Virginia. This includes the ability to transfer between institutions if needed, ensuring that students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and circumstances.

Application Process

To apply for the VMSDEP, eligible individuals must complete the following steps:

1. Application Submission: Submit an application through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). The application process includes providing documentation of the service member’s military service, disability rating, or cause of death, as well as proof of residency and relationship to the service member.
2. Verification and Approval: The DVS reviews the application and verifies eligibility. This includes confirming the service member’s status and the applicant’s residency and academic enrollment.
3. Annual Renewal: Eligible participants must reapply annually to continue receiving benefits. This ensures that the program remains up-to-date with the applicant’s academic progress and continued eligibility.

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program is a cornerstone of the state’s commitment to supporting military families. By providing comprehensive educational benefits, the VMSDEP ensures that the dependents and survivors of service members can access the higher education opportunities they deserve. This program alleviates financial burdens and honors the sacrifices made by military families, helping them achieve their academic and professional aspirations. For more detailed information and to apply, interested individuals should visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website.