Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)
State-funded education benefit for surviving children and spouses of veterans who died from hostile action or service-connected disability, or who are POW/MIA. Up to 4 years at RI public institutions.
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — Rhode Island
- Who it's for
- Spouses, Survivors, Dependents
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- Up to in-state URI tuition + books per year
- Where it applies
- Rhode Island
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)?
Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA) is a Rhode Island education & training benefit for spouses, survivors, dependents. State-funded education benefit for surviving children and spouses of veterans who died from hostile action or service-connected disability, or who are POW/MIA. Up to 4 years at RI public institutions. The listed value is Up to in-state URI tuition + books per year.
Who qualifies
- Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
- Rhode Island residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Son, daughter, or surviving spouse of a veteran who died from hostile action or a service-connected disability, or who is/was a POW or MIA (with specific conditions).
What Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA) covers
Age
Children must be 16-26 years old when entering.
Duration
Up to the normal time for completing the program, but not more than 4 years.
Max aid
Cannot exceed in-state tuition cost at URI plus average cost of books for that year.
Surviving spouses
Must use benefits within 10 years of becoming eligible.
Schools
URI, RIC, CCRI, or any institution of higher education or technical/professional learning. Administered by the Division of Higher Education Assistance.
Legal Basis
RIGL 30-30-1, 30-30-2.
Important to know
This state benefit does NOT cover dependents of living 100%-disabled veterans (see federal VA Chapter 35 DEA for that population).
Verified information & sources
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.
Frequently asked questions about Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)
Who qualifies for Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)?▾
How much is Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA) worth?▾
How do I apply for Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)?▾
Where can I verify Dependents Education Fund (Survivors of Deceased Veterans / POW / MIA)?▾
Other Rhode Island Education & Training
National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP)
Tuition waiver for up to 5 classes per semester at CCRI, RIC, or URI for RI National Guard members.
Full tuition per semester at state institutions
In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents
In-state tuition rates at CCRI, RIC, and URI for active duty, dependents, and eligible veterans immediately upon establishing RI residence.
Disabled Veteran Tuition Waiver
Free tuition at RI public colleges and universities (CCRI, RIC, URI) for veterans with 10%-100% service-connected disability.
$5,000-$15,000/year
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