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Tuition and Fee Waiver for Dependents of Totally Disabled Veterans

Public colleges must waive all tuition and fees for the child or spouse of a veteran who became totally disabled, was taken prisoner, went missing, or died in service — up to 250 quarter credits or the equivalent. A child is eligible between 17 and 26; a spouse or domestic partner has a ten-year window and loses it on remarriage. A $500 annual book stipend comes with it.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Public colleges must waive all tuition and fees for the child or spouse of a veteran who became totally disabled, was taken prisoner, went missing, or died in service — up to 250 quarter credits or the equivalent. A child is eligible between 17 and 26; a spouse or domestic partner has a ten-year window and loses it on remarriage. A $500 annual book stipend comes with it.

What it's worth: All tuition and fees waived up to 250 quarter credits, plus a $500 annual book stipend

  • The waiver binds the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College and the community and technical colleges.
  • The waiver is capped at 250 quarter credits or the equivalent.
  • A child is eligible between the ages of 17 and 26. Past 26 it is gone.
  • A spouse or domestic partner has a ten-year benefit window, and remarriage ends eligibility.
  • The book stipend is $500 annually.

Who is entitled to it

  • It reaches a child or a spouse.
  • Your veteran became totally disabled in active federal service, was a prisoner of war or missing in action, or lost their life in service.
  • Your home is in Washington.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Check the eligibility gate that actually decides this one — it is rarely the disability rating alone.
  2. 2Apply through your Washington public institution before the academic year begins.
Form
Institutional waiver application
File with
your Washington public institution
Documents you will need
dd214 · va benefit summary letter
Each term
Claimed per academic term.
Worth knowingThe statute says the institutions SHALL waive — this is a mandate on the college rather than a discretionary aid programme, which is a materially stronger position to apply from.
Worth knowingDomestic partners are named alongside spouses, which several comparable statutes do not do.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.