Education Assistance...

[SRBama]

Quick question...Been married since 1996...wife would like to go to school and finish up her degree. I'm 100% service connected and received my rating in 1994...I was told a couple years back that there was a 10 year window for my wife to be able to receive any assistance with tuition which we missed...however, I just found this on the VA website.....

" If the VA rated the veteran permanently and totally disabled with an effective date of 3 years from discharge a spouse will remain eligible for 20 years from the effective date of the rating. This change is effective October 10, 2008 and no benefits may be paid for any training taken prior to that date."

Does this mean she is now entitled to dependent assistance? If so..who do I contact. I got my degree in 2002 and went thru Voc rehab I think. Also, my kids are 10 and 7...will they also be eligible when college time comes around.. Thx in advance!

[skippy13]

Your kids will be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits when they enter college or hit the age of eighteen. If they are still in high school when they hit age 18, then they can begin to collect the benefits early if their school is certified.

As for the question about your wifes eligibility to chapter 35 benefits, check on the education forum on this website. You will get the best and correct information.

http://vets.yuku.com/directory (http://vets.yuku.com/directory).

If you meet the P&T within three years of discharge criteria, then she will probably be eligible still. You are correct in that you deal with voc rehab for your education, but she must deal directly with the agency responsible for administering the Chapter 35 benefits. They will not tell you anything, just her. Odd thing that.