Qualifying for the Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program
You may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits if you are the son, daughter or spouse of:
- a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability during active service in the armed forces
- a veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence
- a service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force
- a service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power
- a 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. This change is effective Dec. 23, 2006.
Other Factors to Consider:
- If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26.
- Marriage is not a bar to this benefit.
- If you are in the armed forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty.
- To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable
conditions.
Additional Details
Learn more about Chapter 35 benefits.
Tuition Assistance for Dependents who Are South Carolina Residents
Students receiving Chapter 35 benefits may also be eligible for free tuition from the state of South Carolina. You may be eligible if you are a qualified child of a military veteran and you are:
- applying to or enrolled in a South Carolina state supported college, university or post high school technical education school
- accepted into a dual enrollment/early college credit program prior to graduating high school.
Qualifying veterans and students must meet certain residency requirements. For a complete list of veteran eligibility requirements, and state-supported institutions, please reference the online application. If you have additional questions, please contact our office at 803-647-2434.
Process and Documentation
Your Certification of Enrollment will be sent to Muskogee VA Regional Processing electronically through the VA:
- after you are formally accepted to the university
- up to 120 days prior to the first day of class.
Documentation requirements:
- Apply online or complete VA application Form 22-5490
- A copy of your birth certificate with both parent's names (optional)
- Disability Rating Certificate (optional) or Line of Duty (optional if deceased)
- Complete an Enrollment Certification Request.
- A Certificate of Eligibility from the VA can substitute for VA form 22-5490 and the birth certificate.
Your Certification of Enrollment will be sent to Muskogee VA Regional Processing electronically through the VA:
- after you are formally accepted to the university
- up to 120 days prior to the first day of class.
Documentation requirements:
- Apply online, or complete VA change form Form 22-5495.
- Complete an Enrollment Certification Request.
- Record of Transfer Credit from my.sc.edu.
Your Certification of Enrollment will be sent to Muskogee VA Regional Processing electronically through the VA:
- up to 120 days prior to the first day of class.
Documentation requirement:
- Complete an Enrollment Certification Request.