Helping a Dependent Utilize Military Benefits
In some cases, the dependent or surviving spouse and children of a veteran can get educational assistance through a GI Bill program.
Learn more about Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance
If a veteran hasn’t used all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, they may be able to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to their spouse or a dependent child.
Learn more about transferring benefits
If a veteran has a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or prevents them from working, their dependent family members may be eligible for educational and career counseling benefits through the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance program (Chapter 36).
Learn more about employment benefits for dependent family members
Follow this link for more information on VA education benefits for survivors and dependents.
Student Rights and FERPA
Once your dependent student has received their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Veterans Administration (VA), they are the primary point of contact for the administration of the GI Bill® benefits. While the student is benefiting from their military connection and utilization of GI Bill® benefits, they are responsible for their student record and hold all rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). An annual notice is sent to students that explains their rights.
Parents' Rights
At the postsecondary education level, parents have no inherent rights to access or inspect their child’s education records. Records, including progress, deficiencies, and grades may be released to parents only if they have been given a written release by the student or if the child is considered a dependent for tax purposes and a Parent Affidavit has been filed in the Registrar’s Office. The Parent Affidavit must be notarized and will be in effect for one year.
Students can grant parents and others access to their UAccess Student Center account. The guest account can be utilized by student-authorized individuals to view select student information, potentially including class schedules, financial aid disbursements, and final course grades. Guest access also provides the ability for guests to pay student tuition bills.