DEA

[Niceguy1958]

Hypothetical question, If I’m 100%disabled would my adult step-son whose receiving DEA benefits while attending college continue receiving these benefits if my wife ( his mother) dies while he still in school?

[GBArmy]

Niceguy1958 Qwlcome to Hadit.

You can get some guidance from here  https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

I'd call 8008271000 and ask if there is a help line you can call to get specific info. My guess is if his mother dies it wouldn't matter as long as he meets the other criteria for dependant,  but that's just a guess on my part.

[pwrslm]

You should be able to find info here.

 

This is a lot of reading, but I think it may hinge on a few things. Was he living at home when Mom passed, and was he adopted, are two issues you should ask about when you talk to someone doing Educational Benefits. 

a.  Eligible Child

1.    Months of Entitlement

The following entitlement applies to an eligible child under Public Law 115-48, Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017:

§ 21.3021 Definitions.

For the purposes of subpart C and the payment of basic educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35, the following definitions apply.

 

38 CFR 21.3021(b)Child means a son or daughter of a veteran as defined in § 3.807(d) of this chapter.

Finally, this is where the detailed definition of a child (eligible) is.

 

So when you call the 800#, this is the issue you want answered.