Extending VA Educational Benefits to Siblings of Fallen Service Members.
This act expands eligibility for several key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance programs to include the siblings of certain deceased veterans. This change allows brothers and sisters, including those related by adoption or guardianship, to access financial aid like the Fry Scholarship and transferred Post-9/11 benefits, significantly easing the financial burden of higher education. Special provisions are included to protect the benefits of siblings who served as primary caregivers for seriously injured veterans.
Key points
Siblings of eligible deceased veterans are now included as beneficiaries under the VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship eligibility is extended to include siblings of the fallen service member.
Service members can now transfer their Post-9/11 educational benefits (GI Bill) to their siblings.
Siblings who acted as primary caregivers for seriously injured veterans may receive an extension on the time limit for using transferred educational benefits.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6377
Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Process start date: 2025-12-03