Scholarships and Financial Aid for Spouses and Dependents of Military Veterans: 2025–2026 Guide
- Annette Harris
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16
When my daughter entered college, I thought I had researched every available financial aid option. But halfway through her journey, I discovered the DEA (Chapter 35) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, a resource that could have saved us thousands earlier. That revelation set me on a mission: no military spouse or child should miss out on life-changing financial aid simply because they didn't know it existed.
As spouses and dependents of disabled veterans, we face unique challenges, but we also have access to a network of federal, state, and private scholarships designed specifically to honor that service. The key is knowing where to look and how to combine benefits strategically. In this guide, I'll not only outline the top opportunities for 2025–2026 but also share my own family's journey, how my daughter's education is being fully funded through a combination of CSDDV, DEA, and Folds of Honor.
For a quick introduction to Chapter 35 benefits, I also share insights in this video.
1. Federal Education Benefits via VA
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)
DEA provides $1,536 per month for full-time students as of 2025. The payments are tax-free educational assistance, offering critical relief to families. What's powerful about this benefit is its flexibility: you can use Chapter 35 now and still preserve the GI Bill for later education.
On a personal level, I didn't discover DEA until after my daughter's junior year of college. Once we applied, she began receiving over $1,500 per month to cover her living and study expenses. That money eased our stress and gave her the freedom to focus on her academics without adding financial pressure. I only wish we had known sooner.
Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer)
The Fry Scholarship supports spouses of service members who died in the line of duty. While I haven't personally used this benefit, I've counseled families who have. The Fry Scholarship covers tuition, provides a monthly housing allowance, and includes a stipend for books and supplies. For many, it is not just financial support—it's stability during a time of loss.
2. State-Level and Private Scholarships
Florida's CSDDV Scholarship
As a Florida resident, this program has had a direct impact on my family. My daughter has used the Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) Scholarship since her freshman year. It covers all tuition and mandatory fees, meaning the only costs we're responsible for are housing and meal plans. Knowing her tuition is fully covered has been an incredible relief, and it's proof that state-level scholarships can be just as powerful as federal ones.
Folds of Honor Scholarships
While CSDDV covered tuition and fees, housing and meal plans were still a challenge. That's where Folds of Honor came in. My daughter has received this scholarship, and the funds will be sent directly to her school to cover her room and board expenses. The combination of CSDDV and Folds of Honor means her education is fully funded—without loans. This is a living example of how families can stack scholarships strategically to cover the entire cost of higher education.
MyCAA – Military Spouse Career Advancement Account
I've personally used the MyCAA grant to gain additional education. I've also seen spouses use it to obtain portable career certifications, such as medical billing or IT support. For families who frequently relocate, MyCAA offers a quick and flexible option to start or advance a career.
Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program
Spouses and children of disabled veterans may qualify for this $5,000 annual award. The next application cycle closes on April 10, 2026. This scholarship is unique because it provides steady support through the full academic year, not just a one-time grant.
Tillman Scholars
The Tillman Foundation emphasizes leadership and community impact. Military spouses who become Tillman Scholars not only gain financial aid—they also join a network of leaders committed to service.
3. Deadlines: Key Dates for 2025–2026
Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Deadline |
DEA (Chapter 35) | $1,536/mo FT | Ongoing |
Fry Scholarship | GI Bill benefits | Ongoing |
Florida CSDDV | Tuition + fees | FFAA due April 1, 2026 (opens October 1, 2025) |
Folds of Honor | Up to $5,000 | Typically March–May; 2026 dates TBA |
Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship | $5,000/year | April 10, 2026 |
MyCAA | Up to $4,000 | Rolling |
Tillman Scholars | Varies | Opens Feb 2026 |
DAV Auxiliary Scholarships | Varies | Opens Oct 2025 |
4. Strategy: How to Maximize Benefits
Stack Scholarships: As my daughter's example shows, using CSDDV for tuition and Folds of Honor for housing/meal plans can create a fully covered college experience.
Document Early: Gather VA disability verification, transcripts, and recommendations well before deadlines.
Track Dates: Set reminders six weeks before April 1, 2026 (CSDDV) and April 10, 2026 (Wells Fargo).
Preserve Options: Use the DEA now and save the GI Bill for graduate studies or certifications later.
5. Final Reflection
For many military families, pursuing higher education can feel financially out of reach. But with programs like DEA, CSDDV, Folds of Honor, and Wells Fargo Scholarships, that picture changes dramatically. My daughter's journey is proof—by combining resources, her tuition, fees, and room and board are covered without the need for loans.
These programs exist to honor the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families. Don't leave this money on the table. Start now, apply widely, and build the educational future your family deserves.