Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)
100% tuition and fee waiver at Maine public institutions for spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.
State BenefitMaineEducation & Training
Verified September 30, 2026 against maine.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — Maine
- Who it's for
- Spouses, Dependents
- VA rating needed
- 100% or higher
- Estimated value
- $44,000+ for 4-year degree
- Where it applies
- Maine
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)?
Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) is a Maine education & training benefit for spouses, dependents. 100% tuition and fee waiver at Maine public institutions for spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans. Veteran sponsor needs 100%+ VA rating. The listed value is $44,000+ for 4-year degree.
Who qualifies
- Spouses
- Dependents
- Veteran sponsor needs 100%+ VA rating
- Maine residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who (1) has a 100% total permanent service-connected disability rating, OR (2) is deceased and had been totally and permanently disabled, OR (3) is active-duty MIA/captured/detained for 90+ days. The veteran must have entered service from Maine or been a Maine resident for 5 years.
What Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) covers
Covers
100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees at UMaine System, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy. Up to 120 credit hours for spouses; up to 120 undergraduate credit hours for children.
Estimated value
$44,000+ for a 4-year degree at UMaine.
How to apply for Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)
How to apply
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. Contact: 207-430-6035. Students must also apply for a Federal Pell Grant (via FAFSA) and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Spouses have 10 years from first entrance to complete the benefit.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- maine.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)
Who qualifies for Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)?
Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) is for Spouses, Dependents; Veteran sponsor needs 100%+ VA rating; maine residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)?
Veteran sponsor needs 100%+ VA rating.
How much is Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) worth?
The listed value is $44,000+ for 4-year degree. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other Maine Education & Training
- In-State Tuition for All VeteransAbout $25,000/year savings at UMaineIn-state tuition rates at Maine public institutions for honorably discharged veterans regardless of state of residence.
- Maine National Guard Tuition WaiverFull tuition waiver100% tuition waiver at Maine state institutions for active National Guard members (up to 5 years or 130 semester hours).