Apply for DEA or the Fry Scholarship
Family education benefits use the dependents’ education application, with different eligibility and benefit rules.
Who this program may help
Qualifying family and service circumstances differ. Program elections and child DIC interactions require careful review.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Compare DEA with the Fry Scholarship
The programs cover different qualifying circumstances and costs.
Read the requirements for the child or spouse under each applicable program.
Why this matters
Some elections cannot be changed later.
Official action:
Read DEA requirements and comparisonsVA determines program entitlement.
Official references
2. Check timing and other-benefit interactions
Age, event date and program affect use limits.
Read the relevant timing section; check whether using education affects a child’s DIC payments.
Why this matters
A single age limit does not fit all applicants.
Official action:
Read Fry timing and family rulesVA explains entitlement and applicable use limits.
Official references
3. Apply with the dependents’ education application
DEA and Fry use VA Form 22-5490.
Apply online or mail the form to the appropriate education processing office.
Why this matters
Do not use the Veteran’s 22-1990 or transferred-benefit form for this request.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 22-5490 — Apply for DEA or Fry education benefits
DEA or Fry Scholarship application
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to apply for DEA or FryRetain the application and official receipt.
VA reviews the requested family education benefit.
Official references
4. Ask the school to certify enrollment
The family application does not replace school certification.
Tell the certifying official you applied and ask them to submit the enrollment information.
Why this matters
VA needs the approved program’s enrollment details.
The school sends its certification to VA.
Official references
5. Use the decision and verify required enrollment
VA’s result identifies the granted education benefit.
Read the entitlement letter and complete verification required for your program.
Why this matters
Payment requirements differ from simply being admitted.
Official action:
Read education enrollment-verification instructionsKeep the decision and verification confirmation.
VA processes certified enrollment and your required verification.