Alabama § 31-6-5 - Educational Benefits for Spouses of Deceased or Totally Disabled Veterans or Prisoners of War.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 31-6-5 — Educational Benefits for Spouses of Deceased or Totally Disabled Veterans or Prisoners of War., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-6-5. Educational Benefits for Spouses of Deceased or Totally Disabled Veterans or Prisoners of War.
(a)(1) Any spouse or widow whose spouse, during their marriage, meets any of the following criteria shall be entitled to training in any qualifying school for a period of five standard academic years, not to exceed 45 months, or to training for the equivalent of 45 months if enrolled part-time, pursuant to the tuition reimbursement guidelines as provided in subsection (c):
a. Was killed or died in the line of duty or is listed as missing in action or is or was a prisoner of war while serving as a member of the armed forces;
b. Died from a disability incurred from military service;
c. Was killed or died while on state active duty status as defined in Section 31-12-1, or whose death results proximately and within three years from an injury sustained while on state active duty status; or
d. Is 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, whose permanent and total disabilities were service-connected.
(2) One change of program shall be allowed without counseling. All training received under this section must be completed within eight years after its initiation. This section shall not apply to the spouse of any deceased serviceman or veteran who has remarried prior to applying for and obtaining educational benefits under this section, and should any spouse of the deceased serviceman or veteran remarry during the time he or she is in attendance upon any of the qualifying schools mentioned in this section, then he or she shall pay tuition and fees for the course of study or attendance upon the qualifying school from the time of the remarriage.
(b) The educational benefits provided by this section to spouses and widows making application for benefits for the first time beginning with the fall term of the 2014-2015 academic year, and thereafter, shall be limited to undergraduate courses of study only, and the value of tuition paid shall be limited to the in-state tuition rate of the qualifying school attended.
(c) For those first filing for benefits under this chapter on or after July 31, 2017, and for those attending a qualifying private school, the educational benefit shall be for tuition reimbursement and books and fees reimbursement. The value of tuition paid per semester hour (or equivalent) shall be limited to four hundred dollars ($400). The value of the books and fees paid per semester shall be limited to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per student.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 31-6-5
What does Code of Alabama § 31-6-5 cover?
Section 31-6-5 ("Educational Benefits for Spouses of Deceased or Totally Disabled Veterans or Prisoners of War.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 31-6-5?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 31-6-5" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 31-6-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.