Mar-April 2010 Falcon Flyer (pdf) - Pennsbury School District

GI BILL BENEFIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
There is a program (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance) that provides benefits for a
dependent spouse and children of individuals killed in active duty or those veterans who are totally
disabled because of an active duty injury. In addition the new Post 9/11 GI Bill has a provision that
enables current service members the ability to transfer their earned benefits to their dependents.
Normally these benefits are paid for post secondary education programs and various
apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs.
The DEA also known as Chapter 35 of Title 38, U. S. Code, provides education and training
opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. To be eligible, you must be a son, daughter,
or spouse of a:
• Veteran who died or is permanently and total disabled as a 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 service-connected disability
was in existence;
• Service member who is missing in action or is captured in line of duty by a
hostile force;
• Service member who is currently being forcibly detained or interned in line of
duty by a foreign government or power;
• 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;
As a son or daughter, as long as you have entitlement left, you may generally receive benefits under
this program from age 18 to 26 (8 years).
There is an exception that enables an eligible dependent child (who is 18 years of age) to use
benefits while in high school. These benefits can be used for both private and public high school
programs.
If you are an eligible individual (or if you have questions), please contact Christine Hawk at (717-
787-2414 or chhawk@state.pa.us) to discuss what steps are necessary to help you use this earned
benefit.
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