Safeguarding Department of Veterans Affairs Dependent Education Benefits Act of 2025

This bill would let a spouse or child keep using Post‑9/11 GI Bill education benefits that were transferred to them if those payments were cut off because the service member was punished for sexual assault or domestic violence and received a discharge that normally blocks benefits. They would have to apply, share information showing the abuse, and the application process must be trauma‑informed. If approved, payments can restart but only up to the unused amount that was already transferred to them . The government can make this decision when records show, by evidence from a separation action or a conviction, that the service member committed a dependent‑abuse offense .

If an application is denied, the spouse or child can ask the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security to review it. The department must respond within 30 days and can overturn mistakes. The agencies must publish clear guidance on how to ask for a review and set rules, including which crimes count as dependent‑abuse under military, federal, state, Tribal, or foreign law. People can’t “double dip” education programs; they must choose one if they qualify for more than one VA education benefit .

• Who is affected: Spouses and dependent children who had transferred Post‑9/11 GI Bill benefits cut off due to the service member’s abuse‑related separation or conviction .
• What changes: Lets them apply to have benefits reinstated up to the remaining amount; sets a trauma‑informed process; creates a fast review (30 days) for denials; and requires clear rules and definitions of covered offenses .
• When: Takes effect after agencies issue regulations and guidance required by the bill .