The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled as a result of military service. Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces Reserves, or the Virginia National Guard.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is responsible for managing the program and collaborates with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and Virginia’s public colleges and universities to assist spouses and children of qualified military service members and Veterans in attaining their educational goals. Benefits are available for up to eight semesters, the equivalent of four academic years. Click here for more information on VMSDEP.
Please note that VMSDEP is counted as a financial resource when determining your financial aid eligibility. This may result in adjustments to certain forms of aid, such as state grants, university grants or scholarships, federal loans, federal work-study, and private loans. Since every student's financial aid package is unique, the effect of VMSDEP will differ based on individual circumstances.
How To Apply for VMSDEP
First-Time Students
- Navigate to the VMSDEP website using the following link VMSDEP.
- Register a VMSDEP Account
- Submit Request for Veteran Verification
- Submit an application for VMSDEP Benefits
Returning Students
- Navigate to the VMSDEP portal
- Log into the VMSDEP portal using the log in credentials used to register your account
- To add an enrollment, navigate to the ‘Enrollments’ tab at the bottom of the page
- Click on the ‘Add Enrollment’ button and enter the required information.
VMSDEP Enrollment Certification Dates
Students approved for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) must certify their enrollment through the VMSDEP portal each semester they wish to use their benefits.
- Fall: July 1 - October 31
- Spring (includes Winter term): November 1 - March 31
- Summer: April 1 - June 30
Failure to certify enrollment by the applicable deadline may result in a delay or loss of VMSDEP benefits for that term.