Armed Forces News

Surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty soon will be able to apply for government-sponsored scholarships. The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin accepting spouses’ applications for Fry Scholarships on Nov. 3, the agency announced. Before the expansion, Fry Scholarships were open only to surviving children. Eligible spouses would qualify for up to 36 months’ worth of benefits at the same level as authorized under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend to cover books and supplies is included. The new benefit augments VA-sponsored education benefits under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program. Applicants could be eligible for both. More information is available on the VA Web site at www.benefits.gov/gibill , or by calling (888) GIBILL-1.