Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program - Tier 2

A Tier 2 qualifying military service member is one who:

• Served in military combat and, as a result, was Killed in Action.
• Served in military combat and, as a result, was declared Missing in Action.
• Served in military combat and, as a result, was taken as a Prisoner of War.
• Served in military combat and, as a result, was rated by the USDVA as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90% permanently disabled.

Definition of Military Combat:
Includes participation in military operations against terrorism, peacekeeping missions, terrorist acts, or any armed conflict.

Residency Requirement:
A Tier 2 qualifying service member must also meet the domiciliary requirement as outlined in Code of Virginia § 23.1-608.

Eligibility for Dependents:

Spouse:

• Must be the current spouse of a Tier 2 qualifying military service member.
• Must attend a Virginia public college or university.

Child:

• Must be the biological or adopted child of a Tier 2 qualifying military service member.
• Must be between 16 and 29 years old.
• Must attend a Virginia public college or university.

Stepchild:

• Must be the stepchild of a deceased Tier 2 qualifying military service member.
• The service member must have claimed the stepchild on their tax return or enrolled them in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) while on active duty.
• Must be between 16 and 29 years old.
• Must attend a Virginia public college or university.

Required Documentation for Military Service and Eligibility

Proof of Military Service

One of the following documents must be provided:

• DD Form 214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4)
• DD Form 256 – Honorable Discharge Certificate
• DD Form 1300 – Report of Casualty
• NGB Form 22 – Report of Separation and Record of Service

Proof of Virginia Residency

If Virginia is not listed as the Home of Record Upon Entry on the military service document, additional proof is required to verify residency as defined in Code of Virginia § 23.1-608. Documentation must include the service member’s full name, date, and physical address. Typically, one document per year is required to establish a minimum five-year presence in Virginia before the dependent’s application submission to a public college or university.

Examples of Acceptable Documents:

• State Income Tax Records
• Real Estate or Personal Property Tax Records
• Voter Registration Records
• Mortgage Statements or Residential Lease Agreements
• Payroll or Check Stubs with a Virginia Address
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) Form
• Annual Social Security Statements
• Utility Bills
• Official Letter from a Commanding Officer (on letterhead, signed, confirming residency duration in Virginia)