The Virginia Department of Veterans Services provides the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (MSDEP), formerly the Virginia War Orphans College Fund, educational assistance for the children, or surviving children, of certain war-disabled veterans. MSDEP provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict.

Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, the Virginia National Guard, or the Virginia National Guard Reserves. Armed conflict includes military operations against terrorism or as the result of a terrorist act, a peace-keeping mission, or any armed conflict after December 6, 1941. Virginia residency and other requirements must be met to be eligible for assistance under this program. Norfolk State University accepts the tuition waiver for students authorized for MSDEP. Benefits are available for up to four years.

Recertification

To continue receiving VMSDEP benefits, qualifying enrolled students must provide the attached Recertification Form to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services VMSDEP RECERTIFICATION.

Additional information about the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) and application procedures are available on the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website:  http://www.vdva.vipnete.org. Click on “Benefits” and scroll down to “Education.”