Who qualifies for the Fry Scholarship?

Children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on active duty on or after Sept 11 2001, who died from a service-connected disability within 120 days of discharge, or Selected Reserve members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.

Is there an age limit for children using the Fry Scholarship?

If the parent died on or after Jan 1 2013 there is no age limit. If the parent died before 2013, the child generally must use benefits before turning 33, unless they turned 18 on or after Jan 1 2013.

Can a surviving spouse keep the Fry Scholarship after remarrying?

Yes. Under current VA rules a spouse who was already eligible keeps Fry eligibility after remarriage, and spouses can also receive DIC at the same time.

Fry Scholarship or Chapter 35: which should I choose?

Fry usually pays more because it covers tuition directly plus a housing allowance, while Chapter 35 pays a flat $1,574 monthly stipend. You must elect one; if the death was on or after Aug 1 2011 the combined cap is 48 months.

How do I apply for the Fry Scholarship?

Apply online at va.gov or mail VA Form 22-5490 to the regional processing office; you will need the service member's death information and your school's details.

Education for dependents and survivors

Fry Scholarship Guide for Surviving Spouses and Children

Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below

On this page

What the Fry Scholarship is (and why it is a Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit)
Who qualifies: death circumstances, children, spouses
Age and time limits after the Forever GI Bill and Dole Act changes
What Fry pays for in 2026-27: tuition, housing allowance, books, tests
Fry Scholarship vs Chapter 35 vs transferred GI Bill
DIC, remarriage and other benefit interactions
How to apply (VA Form 22-5490) and what happens next
Using Fry at private schools: Yellow Ribbon
What your state adds (survivor tuition waivers)
Common questions