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Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP)
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is a Commonwealth of Virginia program that provides education benefits to spouses and children of qualifying veterans who have been rated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a result of military service or qualifying military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who have been rated by the USDVA as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a direct result of involvement in covered military combat. Military service includes the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, or the Virginia National Guard. VMSDEP assists survivors and dependents of qualified veterans or service members in attaining their educational goals.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is responsible for certifying eligibility for benefits under the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and Virginia’s public colleges and universities are responsible for applying the financial aid benefits (tuition/fee waiver, stipend) available under VMSDEP.
Benefits are available for up to eight semesters, the equivalent of four academic years.
Required Documentation
In most cases, eligibility will be determined using documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the veteran or surviving spouse may be asked to provide documentation verifying residency or the applicant’s age or relationship. State income tax records, birth certificates, and/or marriage certificates are usually sufficient.
Recertification
To continue receiving VMSDEP benefits, qualifying enrolled students must provide a letter to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services stating their continued enrollment, the period of time attended, and the period of time for which they are requesting benefits.
New Re-certification Process for VSMDEP Applicants:
- The Department of Veterans Services would like to announce that the new online portal for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is now live. You can access the portal here: dvs.virginia.gov
- All new and existing VMSDEP clients should have accounts on the new portal. Existing clients should have received an email with instructions on how to access your account, and new clients should go to the website to set up your account.
- If you have questions, please contact VMSDEP at vmsdep@dvs.virginia.gov or at 804-225-2083.
- Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Application
For more information contact RCC’s Veterans Affairs office at 804-758-6744.
To learn more about the VMSDEP program from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Phone: 804-225-2083
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
900 East Main Street
Sixth Floor, West Wing
Richmond, VA 23219
Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31)
Students who participate in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31) can charge registration with receipt of VA Form 28-1905 submitted to the Veterans Affairs Office, Business Office, and Bookstore. Additional information can be obtained from RCC’s Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office or the student’s Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans Benefits counselor.
Mrs. Lynnette A. L. Almeida
Veterans SCO & Financial Aid Officer
Veterans Services: 804-758-6744
veterans@rappahannock.edu