Educational Benefits for Spouses and Dependents of Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides education and training opportunities to eligible spouses and dependents of disabled and fallen service members through the Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program which provides an educational stipend through Chapter 35. You may also be eligible for a tuition waiver through PCC. The tuition waiver is intended to provide you with the opportunity to earn a certificate or associates degree and will cover up to 135 credits or the desired degree or certificate (whichever comes first).

PCC Tuition Waiver Eligibility

You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  1. A veteran who became permanently and totally disabled as a result of active service in the Armed Forces.
  2. Died as a result of a military service connected disability.

Additional Requirements and Restrictions

  • Dependents must enroll by the age of 23.
  • Spouses and dependents must be degree seeking with a declared major. Only college-level courses (100 or higher) that meet the degree requirements of the major are eligible for the waiver.
  • Course fees or other expenses related to enrollment with PCC are not covered by the tuition waiver and must be paid by the payment due date each term.
  • The waiver applies only to tuition charges that are not covered by financial aid, scholarships or third party sponsors (other than VA Chapter 35 benefits).
  • The waiver benefit does not apply to developmental coursework or courses taken for personal or professional interest, including but not limited to CED, CEU, ABE, GED and ESOL.

Application

To apply for the Veterans Educational Benefit through PCC, please submit the application form with the following information to any campus business office:

  • Proof of dependent status (DD Form 93)
  • Proof of the death or total permanent disability of the Oregon service member resulting from active service (DD 214 or DD 215) *
  • Proof of residency of the applicant within the PCC service area, which includes Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, Columbia and Yamhill counties.

This waiver offer will end not later than 21 years after the date of death or disability of the Oregon Service Member and is subject to review and cancellation by PCC.