EDUCATION BENEFITS for SPOUSES & 
DEPENDENTS of VETERANS

Chapter 35 – Survivors and Dependents Education Benefits

Survivors of deceased veterans, spouses of living veterans and children of either who are between 18 and 26 years of age may be eligible if the veteran’s death or permanent/total disability was the result of service in the Armed Forces. Eligibility of spouses generally extends to 10 years from the date of death or establishment of total disability. In certain cases, the age limit for children may be extended.

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REPS (Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors)

REPS benefits are a restoration of Social Security benefits that were reduced or terminated by the Omnibus Act (1981). The DVA pays the benefits to certain surviving spouses or children between 18 and 22 of a veteran who either died on active duty before August 13, 1981. For eligibility information, contact the Dept of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at 1-800-827-1000.

Educational Gratuity Program (for dependents)

The applicant must be the child of a veteran whose 100% disability is war or armed conflict service-connected, or who died while on active duty or as a result of service-connected disability, hostile fire, or a terrorist attack during peacetime, as determined the Dept. of Military Affairs. An applicant must be between the ages of 16 and 24, a resident of Pennsylvania for 5 years immediately prior to filing for the benefit, attend an approved PA state institution and demonstrate financial need. Contact the PA Dept. of Military Affairs, Ft. Indiantown Gap, at 717-861-8910.