Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Benefits

How do your benefits work at FIU?

• How do I use my education benefits?

  Request to have your classes certified each semester you wish to use your benefits.

  Submitting Enrollment Cert Request

• How will I receive this benefit?

  Chapter 35 students are eligible to receive monthly stipends based on their Rate of Pursuit (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or full time) during their enrollment periods. Payments are received at the end of each month and are prorated based on the number of days attended.

• Can I use other education benefits besides DEA?

  Yes. We highly encourage students to fill out their FAFSA and apply for other funds, such as the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans, to help them pay for their tuition and educational expenses. These do not conflict with your VA education benefits.

• Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

  The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is for children and spouses of:

  • Active-duty service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, or
  • Members of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001.

  Get more information about the Fry Scholarship.

  Note: You may qualify for both the Fry Scholarship and the DEA program, but you can use only one of them. You’ll have to pick one when you apply. Once you’ve made this decision, you can’t switch to the other program.

• Does the VA pay my tuition to FIU?

  No, the VA will send you the entitlement you are eligible to receive. This is meant for you to pay your tuition and/or assist you with your education related costs.

• Does the VA require me to verify my enrollment?

  Yes, and you can do so online via the VA's automated system here or by calling them at the education help line at 877-823-2378.

• Additional information

  Additional information is available at these links

  VA Website - Dependents

  Pay Rate