Fry Scholarship in Washington: Education for Surviving Dependents
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
The Fry Scholarship is a federal education benefit for surviving spouses and dependent children of service members who died on active duty or from service-connected conditions after September 10, 2001. It provides up to 60 months of full tuition and fees coverage, a monthly housing stipend, and a book allowance at approved schools. Payment rates for 2024 match the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Yellow Ribbon schools receive full tuition coverage), with monthly stipends ranging from $1,039 to $2,078 depending on school type. Washington has no state-specific additions to this federal program.
Key Facts
- •Fry Scholarship provides up to 60 months of education benefits for eligible survivors.
- •Surviving spouses and children of service members who died in service qualify.
- •Benefits cover tuition, fees, books, and housing at approved schools.
- •Washington residents apply through VA.gov using VA Form 22-5490.
- •Payment amounts match Post-9/11 GI Bill rates for the school's tier.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Fry Scholarship, you must be the surviving spouse or dependent child of a service member who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition on or after September 11, 2001. The service member must have served at least 30 days of aggregate active duty after that date (38 U.S.C. § 3311(a)).
Dependents must establish an eligible relationship: surviving spouses remain eligible for life unless remarried; dependent children must be between ages 18 and 33 to use the benefit (exceptions exist for children with disabilities). Spouses have no age limit. Children may use benefits before age 18 in certain circumstances.
Qualifying service includes active duty across all branches. The service member's death must have occurred in the line of duty or resulted from a service-connected condition. This includes deaths from combat, training accidents, service-connected illnesses, or disabilities aggravated by service.
Presumptive conditions established by VA regulation qualify automatically without additional evidence. Non-presumptive deaths require VA adjudication that the death was service-connected. Survivors must not be receiving other education benefits simultaneously (38 C.F.R. § 21.9620(a)).
Income and asset limits do not apply to Fry Scholarship eligibility. However, the school's eligibility status matters: the institution must be accredited and approved for VA education benefits. For-profit schools, online-only programs, and certain vocational schools have varying eligibility rules.
Eligible dependent status requires that the child be claimed as a dependent by the service member at the time of death or subsequently recognized through valid legal documentation. Spouses need proof of marriage to the service member.
Benefit Amounts
For 2024, Fry Scholarship payment rates are:
Public In-State University: Up to $2,078 monthly housing allowance (for three-quarter time or more enrollment); tuition and fees paid in full up to the in-state public rate.
Public Out-of-State University: Full tuition and fees coverage (actual amount charged); monthly housing allowance of $2,078.
Private School: Up to $2,078 monthly housing allowance; tuition and fees covered up to $32,422.41 per academic year (2024 cap).
For-Profit Institution: Same as private; $2,078 monthly housing.
Book Allowance: $41.67 per month (prorated for actual enrollment).
Yellow Ribbon Schools: Full tuition coverage with no cap if the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and contributes matching funds.
All rates receive annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases each October. Part-time enrollment reduces monthly stipends proportionally. Rates are indexed to Post-9/11 GI Bill rates under 38 U.S.C. § 3321.
Washington Benefits on Top of Federal
Washington State does not provide additional education benefits or supplemental payments for Fry Scholarship recipients. The Fry Scholarship is a purely federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Washington has not enacted state-level enhancements, state-funded supplements, or parallel programs for surviving family members using this benefit.
However, Washington offers other state-specific education benefits for eligible groups that do not conflict with Fry Scholarship use. For example, Washington provides the State Work-Study Program and may offer in-state tuition breaks at Washington public universities for certain resident student categories. Fry Scholarship recipients who are Washington residents and meet additional criteria for these programs may stack them (subject to federal coordination rules).
Washington residents using Fry Scholarship benefits to attend in-state institutions automatically receive in-state tuition rates at public universities, community colleges, and technical colleges. This is standard federal policy: VA benefits are paid based on the institutional rate, which includes in-state resident pricing for eligible schools.
The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board maintain lists of approved institutions. Fry Scholarship beneficiaries should verify their chosen school is certified for VA education benefits on VA.gov.
No separate state application, state form, or state agency approval is required to use Fry Scholarship in Washington. All eligibility determination and payment processing occurs through the VA. However, Washington County Veterans Service Offices can provide assistance understanding what schools qualify and how to maximize benefits within state institutions.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
To apply for the Fry Scholarship, visit VA.gov/education and select the Fry Scholarship application link, or go directly to va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/fry-scholarship. You must submit VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivor Benefits) online via VA.gov, through the VA mobile app, or by paper mail.
Required documents include: (1) proof of your relationship to the deceased service member (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers); (2) proof of the service member's death (death certificate); (3) the service member's Social Security number or military service number; (4) your Social Security number; and (5) medical evidence if claiming a disability exception to age limits.
For spouses and children age 18+, online submission through VA.gov is fastest. Create a login using ID.me or DS Logon, then complete the application. The system guides you through each section. You can upload documents directly or mail them to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Attn: PCIP, P.O. Box 5379, Janesville, WI 53547-5379.
After submission, the VA Vet Center will assign your claim to a Veterans Service Representative. You will receive a claim receipt with a case number. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days for straightforward cases, but can extend longer if the VA requires additional information or must verify the service member's death record.
To check status, log into VA.gov/my-health-and-benefits, navigate to 'Benefits and Payments,' and select 'Education and Training.' You will see your claim status, any outstanding requests for information, and the estimated completion date. You can also call the Education Service at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET) for updates.
State Application
Washington State has no separate state-level Fry Scholarship application because this benefit is entirely federal. However, Washington residents applying for Fry Scholarship should register with their County Veterans Service Office for guidance on approved Washington schools and to access free counseling.
Washington has 39 County Veterans Service Offices and Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices. These offices are located in county courthouses, administrative buildings, or veteran-dedicated facilities. To find your local office, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website at dva.wa.gov or call 1-360-725-5871 for the office nearest you.
County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) provide free help with federal applications. They can review your VA Form 22-5490 before submission, explain eligibility rules, help gather required documents, and advise on which Washington schools accept Fry Scholarship benefits. Many VSOs have direct relationships with VA regional processing offices and can advocate for faster claim review.
While not required, consulting a Washington VSO strengthens your application. They ensure all documents are included, verify the service member's death is properly documented, and confirm your eligible relationship. They can also explain what happens after your Fry Scholarship is approved—such as when to enroll in school, how to notify the VA, and how to manage semester-to-semester changes.
No state-specific forms, state fees, or state approval delays apply. Once the VA approves your Fry Scholarship eligibility, you can immediately enroll at any VA-approved school in Washington or nationwide. Processing times are set by the federal VA, not Washington State. County VSOs can help you understand the federal timeline and track progress.
Common Reasons for Denial
Fry Scholarship claims are denied most often because the service member's death does not meet the statutory definition of service-connected or line-of-duty death. The VA requires clear evidence that the death occurred on active duty (for active-duty deaths) or resulted from a condition incurred or aggravated during service (for service-connected deaths after discharge). Deaths from pre-existing conditions unrelated to military service, or deaths after military separation from non-service-related causes, are regularly denied.
Missing or incomplete documentation is the second leading reason. Applicants must provide an original or certified death certificate, proof of the eligible relationship (birth certificate for children, marriage certificate for spouses), and proof of the service member's active-duty status during the correct time period. Many families submit uncertified copies, illegible documents, or documents in languages other than English without certified translations, causing the claim to be returned incomplete.
Incorrect eligible relationship or age at application causes denials for children. The Fry Scholarship limits child beneficiaries to ages 18–33. Children who turned 34 before establishing their benefit lose eligibility. Additionally, step-children or adopted children require legal documentation of the relationship to the service member; biological connection alone is insufficient. Spouses who remarried after the service member's death are ineligible unless the remarriage occurred before the service member's death (rare) or through legal restoration of the prior marriage status.
False or fraudulent claims result in immediate denial and potential criminal prosecution. The VA routinely cross-checks death records with the Social Security Administration and military service records. Claiming a surviving relative who is not legally eligible, falsifying the service member's discharge papers, or misrepresenting the date of death all trigger denial and investigation.
To build a stronger initial claim, submit a certified death certificate from the state vital records office (not a funeral home copy), obtain birth certificates from state vital records offices (certified with embossed seals for children), and provide the service member's full DD-214 or service summary. Include a written explanation of how the death was service-connected if it occurred after military separation. If the VA has already adjudicated the service member's death as service-connected for disability purposes (for example, if the service member received VA disability rating), attach a copy of the VA disability rating decision to show presumptive evidence of service-connection.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If the VA denies your Fry Scholarship claim, you have the right to appeal. The VA offers three appeal paths: the Supplemental Claim lane, the Higher-Level Review (HLR) lane, and the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) lane. Each path has different deadlines, processing times, and strategic uses.
Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) allows you to submit new evidence the VA did not consider in the original decision. Use this lane if you can obtain additional documents—such as a medical opinion confirming the service member's condition was service-connected, military medical records documenting a service-related injury, or corrected vital records. You have one year from the original decision date to file. The VA typically decides supplemental claims within 120 days. This lane is fastest if you have new evidence.
Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) requests a senior VA reviewer (someone not involved in the original decision) to reconsider the same evidence without new documentation. Choose this lane if you believe the original reviewer misinterpreted the evidence or applied the law incorrectly. You must file within one year of the original decision. HLR typically completes in 120–125 days. No new evidence is accepted, so this lane works only if the original file contains sufficient documentation that was overlooked.
Board of Veterans' Appeals (VA Form 10182) sends your case to the BVA, an independent appellate body. File this if both supplemental and HLR have failed or if your case involves complex legal questions about service-connection or eligible relationship. The deadline to file with the BVA is one year from the original decision date. BVA processing times vary widely (typically 6–12 months) depending on your argument type and case complexity. You can request oral hearing before a BVA judge, which strengthens cases requiring explanation of complex service-connection evidence.
Free help is available. VA-accredited veterans service organizations (VSOs), including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), provide free appeals assistance. County Veterans Service Offices also offer free help filing appeals. Contact your local VSO at va.gov/vso or call your county office. Do not pay private claims representatives to file an appeal; doing so is illegal under 38 U.S.C. § 5904.
Get free help applying for Fry Scholarship. Contact your Washington County Veterans Service Office or a VA-accredited veterans service organization. Call 1-360-725-5871 to locate your nearest office. No cost for assistance.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a surviving spouse use the Fry Scholarship if they remarry after the service member's death?
No. Under 38 U.S.C. § 3311(b), Fry Scholarship eligibility for surviving spouses ends upon remarriage. If the spouse remarries after the service member's death, they immediately lose eligibility and cannot use any remaining benefits. However, if the spouse remarried before the service member's death (a rare circumstance), they may still be eligible as the widow or widower of the service member. Spouses who have already used some of their 60 months and then remarry cannot resume use of remaining months. Once remarriage occurs, the benefit is permanently forfeited unless the remarriage is legally dissolved and the prior spousal status is restored, which is very rarely granted by a court.
What happens if my dependent child turns 33 before finishing their degree with Fry Scholarship?
Once a dependent child reaches age 34, they are no longer eligible to use Fry Scholarship benefits, even if they have remaining months available. Under 38 C.F.R. § 21.9620(d), the age limitation is strict: children must be between 18 and 33 years old at the time of use. If your child turns 34 mid-semester, they lose benefits immediately for that semester onward. However, they may be able to continue their education using other federal or state aid if they become ineligible due to age. It is important to plan degree completion carefully. If your child is approaching age 33, work with your school's Veterans Affairs Office to understand how much time remains and whether accelerated enrollment or year-round classes are possible before the benefit expires.
Can I use Fry Scholarship at an online-only school or for-profit university in Washington?
Yes, but with limitations. Fry Scholarship can be used at for-profit schools and online-only programs if the institution is accredited and approved for VA education benefits. However, payment caps are stricter for for-profit schools: the maximum annual tuition and fees covered is $32,422.41 (2024), and monthly housing allowance is $2,078 regardless of the school's actual charges. Online-only schools must be regionally or nationally accredited and listed on the VA's Approved School List (available at va.gov/education). Many for-profit and online-only institutions have lower academic standards, high default rates, and poor graduate employment outcomes. Before enrolling, verify the school is VA-approved, check accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education's NCES database, and review graduation rates and veteran feedback. Washington County Veterans Service Offices can advise whether a specific online or for-profit school is a good educational investment.
If the service member received a dishonorable discharge, does the survivor lose Fry Scholarship eligibility?
Generally, yes. Eligibility for Fry Scholarship depends on the service member's discharge status. Under 38 U.S.C. § 3311, the service member must have been honorably discharged or have a discharge status of 'under honorable conditions' or equivalent. A dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or dismissal by court-martial renders survivors ineligible. However, there are limited exceptions if the service member's death occurred in the line of duty on active duty (regardless of later discharge status). If a service member died on active duty and was subsequently (posthumously) given a dishonorable discharge due to a court-martial, the eligibility determination becomes complex and requires VA adjudication. Survivors in this situation should contact the VA directly or work with a County Veterans Service Officer to request a formal eligibility review.
How does Fry Scholarship interact with other federal education benefits like the GI Bill or ROTC scholarships?
Fry Scholarship cannot be used simultaneously with other federal education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, or ROTC scholarships. You must choose one benefit and use it exclusively (38 C.F.R. § 21.9620(c)). If a dependent child or spouse is eligible for more than one program, they should compare benefit amounts and school eligibility under each program to determine which provides the best coverage. For example, if attending an expensive private school with a Yellow Ribbon agreement, the Fry Scholarship may provide better coverage than a GI Bill benefit. Conversely, if attending a community college, both programs may yield similar results. School Veterans Affairs Certifying Officials can help beneficiaries compare options and make the best choice. Once you start using Fry Scholarship, switching to another benefit requires canceling your Fry benefits and reapplying for the alternative program, which may delay education.
Related Benefits in Washington
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. § 3311 — Establishes Fry Scholarship program for survivors
- 38 C.F.R. § 21.9620 — Defines eligibility and benefit payment rates
- 38 U.S.C. § 3321 — Sets payment rates aligned with Post-9/11 GI Bill
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 3 statutes. Last reviewed September 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by September 2027.
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