Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP)

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, the Virginia National Guard, or the Virginia National Guard Reserves. Armed conflict includes military operations against terrorism or as the result of a terrorist act, a peace-keeping mission, or any armed conflict after December 6, 1941. This program may pay for tuition and fees at any state-supported college or university. This program waives tuition and fees in Virginia. Benefits are available for up to four years. 

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, children and spouses of qualifying military service members must meet the following requirements.

• The child must be between ages 16 and 29; There are no age restrictions for spouses.
• The military service member is and must have been a Virginia citizen at the time he or she entered active duty or must have been a Virginia citizen for at least five years immediately prior to the date of the application for admission.
• In the case of a deceased military service member the veteran’s surviving spouse can meet the residency requirements if he or she lived in Virginia for at least five years prior to marrying the military service member or has been a citizen of Virginia for at least five years immediately prior to the date of application.

Required Documentation
In most cases, eligibility will be determined using documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the veteran or surviving spouse may be asked to provide documentation verifying residency or the applicant’s age or relationship. State income tax records, birth certificates, and/or marriage certificates are usually sufficient.

Recertification
To continue receiving VMSDEP benefits, qualifying enrolled students must provide a letter to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services stating their continued enrollment, the period of time attended, and the period of time for which they are requesting benefits.

New Re-certification Process for VSMDEP Applicants: 

• The Department of Veterans Services would like to announce that the new online portal for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is now live. You can access the portal here: dvs.virginia.gov 
• All new and existing VMSDEP clients should have accounts on the new portal. Existing clients should have received an email with instructions on how to access your account, and new clients should go to the website to set up your account.
• If you have questions, please contact VMSDEP at vmsdep@dvs.virginia.gov or at 804-225-2083.
• Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Application
  

For more information contact RCC’s Veterans Affairs office at 804-758-6744.

To learn more about the VMSDEP program from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Phone: 804-225-2083
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

900 East Main Street
Sixth Floor, West Wing
Richmond, VA 23219

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31)

Students who participate in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31) can charge registration with receipt of VA Form 28-1905 submitted to the Veterans Affairs Office, Business Office, and Bookstore. Additional information can be obtained from RCC’s Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office or the student’s Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans Benefits counselor.

Jill Quinlan, VA School Certifying Official and RCC Lead Financial Aid Technician
804-758-6744
jquinlan@rappahannock.edu