Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit
Free tuition at Minnesota public colleges plus $750/year for dependents of veterans who died from service.
State BenefitMinnesotaEducation & Training
Verified September 30, 2026 against mn.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — Minnesota
- Who it's for
- Spouses, Survivors, Dependents
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- Full tuition + $750/year
- Where it applies
- Minnesota
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit?
Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit is a Minnesota education & training benefit for spouses, survivors, dependents. Free tuition at Minnesota public colleges plus $750/year for dependents of veterans who died from service. The listed value is Full tuition + $750/year.
Who qualifies
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Dependents
- Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
- Minnesota residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Unremarried surviving spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition. Veteran must have been a MN resident when entering military or for 6 months prior to death. Applicant must be a MN resident. No age limitation.
Covers full tuition plus $750/fiscal year for fees, books, supplies, and/or room and board.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- mn.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 Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit
Who qualifies for Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit?
Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit is for Spouses, Survivors, Dependents; Through veteran sponsor (any rating); minnesota residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit worth?
The listed value is Full tuition + $750/year. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit?
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 Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit?
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 Minnesota Education & Training
- Minnesota GI BillUp to $15,000 lifetimeUp to $15,000 lifetime ($5,000/year max) for tuition, fees, and approved training at eligible MN institutions.
- Veteran Education Assistance Grant (Program Closed)$750 (one-time)Closed to veterans by a 2026 state law. Was a one-time $750 grant for veterans who had exhausted federal GI Bill benefits.
- Resident Tuition Rate for VeteransThousands per year in tuition savingsVeterans (and Section 702-eligible spouses/dependents) treated as Minnesota residents for tuition at public institutions; graduate rate requires MN residency at enlistment.