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Education and Training

Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025

The Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025 (Public Law 118-210), enacted on January 2, 2025, aims to support Veterans and their families by addressing a broad spectrum of issues including healthcare, economic opportunities, support for caregivers, and Veteran homelessness.

The law includes significant enhancements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefit programs through a set of 15 provisions.

What has changed?

Fry Scholarship

Temporary Expansion of Eligibility for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

The law temporarily broadens eligibility for the Fry Scholarship, which provides education benefits to the children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.

This temporary eligibility expansion applies to terms with a start date on or after August 1, 2025, and before October 1, 2027.

Removal of Expiration on Entitlement to Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship for Surviving Spouses

The time limit for surviving spouses to use the Fry Scholarship is removed, allowing them to access education benefits at any time, even after remarriage.

Transfer of Entitlement

Sole Liability for Transferred Educational Assistance by an Individual Who Fails to Complete a Service Agreement

This section specifies that if a service member transfers their education benefits to a family member but fails to fulfill the required service obligation, the service member—not the family member—is solely responsible for any resulting debts.

Educational Institutions

Notice to Educational Institutions of Risk-Based Surveys

This section requires VA to inform educational institutions two days before conducting risk-based surveys, ensuring transparency and preparedness.

Relationship of Participation by an Educational Institution in Certain Federal Student Financial Aid Programs to Approval of Such Institution for Purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Programs

This section establishes that an educational institution’s participation in specific federal student aid programs is a factor in its approval for VA educational assistance programs, promoting consistency in standards.

Expansion of Department of Veterans Affairs Oversight of Certain Educational Institutions

This section enhances VA’s authority to oversee educational institutions, ensuring they meet required standards and provide quality education to Veterans.

Requirement that Educational Institutions Approved for Purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Programs Provide Digital Official Transcripts

This section mandates that some educational institutions approved for VA educational assistance programs must provide official transcripts in digital format, facilitating easier access and transfer of academic records.

Monthly Housing Allowance

Payment of Full Monthly Housing Stipend for Veterans Enrolled in Final Semester Using Educational Assistance Under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program

This section helps Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® receive their full monthly housing allowance during their final semester, even if enrolled less than full-time.

Commercial Driving Programs

Modification of Rules for Approval of Commercial Driver Education Programs for Purposes of Educational Assistance Programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs

This section updates the criteria for approving commercial driver education programs, making it easier for Veterans to use VA educational benefits for such training.

Electronic Eligibility Documents

Provision of Certificates of Eligibility and Award Letters Using Electronic Means

This section requires VA to provide certificates of eligibility and award letters electronically, streamlining communication and reducing paper usage.

Benefit Restoration

Retroactive Effective Date of Law Regarding Charge to Entitlement to Educational Assistance for Individuals Who Do Not Transfer Credits from Certain Closed or Disapproved Programs of Education

This section retroactively applies provisions that restore educational benefits to Veterans who couldn’t transfer credits from programs that closed or lost approval, covering closures from August 1, 2021, to September 30, 2025.

Veterans’ High Technology Program

Department of Veterans Affairs High Technology Program

This section establishes a program offering Veterans the opportunity to enroll in high-tech education programs that provide skills sought by employers, with VA covering associated costs.

90-Day Policy Change Notices

Notice of Changes to Department of Veterans Affairs Policies and Guidance Affecting the Educational Assistance Programs of the Department

This section mandates that VA provide timely notice of any policy or guidance changes affecting its educational assistance programs, ensuring that Veterans and educational institutions are well-informed.

Payments to Foreign Institutions

Payment of VA Educational Assistance via Electronic Fund Transfer to a Foreign Institution of Higher Education

This section requires VA to update its payment systems to allow electronic fund transfers of educational assistance to foreign higher education institutions, facilitating support for Veterans studying abroad.

GI Bill Comparison Tool Enhancements

Improving Transparency and Accountability of Educational Institutions for Purposes of Veterans Educational Assistance

This section directs that VA maintains and enhances the GI Bill Comparison Tool, providing Veterans with relevant and timely information about approved educational programs and institutions, thereby promoting informed decision-making.

These sections collectively aim to enhance educational opportunities and support for Veterans and their families, ensuring greater access, transparency, and flexibility in using educational benefits.

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