Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)
Waives 100% of tuition and mandatory fees, for up to 120 credit hours, for the spouse or child of a severely disabled, killed, or missing-in-action veteran, at the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, or Maine Maritime Academy.
Who it is for
Spouses and children of a veteran who is rated 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, died from a service-connected disability, or has been missing in action or held by a foreign power for more than 90 days. The veteran must have entered service from Maine or lived in Maine for at least 5 years before the dependent applies. Spouses have 10 years to use the benefit; children must enroll before turning 22 (or 26 if military service delayed enrollment) and keep a 2.0 GPA.
Focus: Veterans with disabilities, Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Complete the Maine Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits Application through the Bureau of Veterans' Services
- Also apply for a Federal Pell Grant, which is required alongside this benefit
- Submit both to the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services, or call 207-287-7020 for help with where to send it
Deadline: No single fixed deadline stated; apply before the term you plan to enroll in. (Rolling, apply any time)
Amount: 100% waiver of tuition and mandatory fees, up to 120 credit hours
Verified as of 2026-07-05. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.