DEA/Chapter 35 Benefits Guide
Education assistance for spouses and children of veterans with service-connected disabilities
What is DEA/Chapter 35?
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans and service members. This program offers monthly payments to help cover educational expenses for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions or who died as a result of their service.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if you are the spouse or child of a veteran or service member who:
- • Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability
- • Died as a result of a service-connected disability
- • Died in the line of duty while on active duty
- • Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty
- • Was forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power
- • Is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability
2025 Benefit Rates
DEA Chapter 35 rates are effective from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The amount you receive depends on your enrollment status and type of training.
Institutions of Higher Learning & Non-College Degree Programs
Full-Time
$1,536.00
per month
3/4 Time
$1,214.00
per month
1/2 Time
$890.00
per month
1/4 Time or Less
$384.00
per month (or tuition, whichever is less)
On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeships
Monthly Payment Schedule:
Months 1-6: $975.00
Months 7-12: $733.00
Months 13-18: $481.00
Months 19+: $245.00
Specific Eligibility by Relationship
For Spouses
- • Must be married to the veteran at the time of death or when the disability was incurred
- • Benefits available for up to 10 years from eligibility date
- • Can pursue any approved program of education
- • Eligible for correspondence training (55% of established cost per lesson)
- • May receive up to 36 months of benefits
For Children
- • Must be between ages 18-26 for most programs
- • Can start benefits as early as age 18 or upon high school graduation
- • Benefits available for 8 years from 18th birthday or high school graduation
- • May receive up to 36 months of benefits
- • Eligible for special restorative training if needed
- • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Application Process
Gather Required Documents
Marriage certificate, birth certificates, school enrollment verification, and veteran's service records
Submit Application
Complete VA Form 22-5490 online, by mail, or in person
Choose Your School
Select a VA-approved educational institution or training program
Maintain Enrollment
Submit enrollment certifications each term to continue receiving benefits
Important Considerations
Key Limitations and Requirements:
- • Benefits cannot be used simultaneously with other VA education benefits
- • Spouses cannot use benefits while the veteran is on active duty (with some exceptions)
- • Children must use benefits before age 26 (with limited exceptions)
- • Benefits are not transferable between family members
- • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving benefits
Additional Support Services
- Educational and career counseling services available
- Tutorial assistance for difficult subjects
- Work-study opportunities at participating schools
- Vocational rehabilitation services if needed
- Special accommodations for students with disabilities
Maximizing Your DEA Benefits
Tips for Success:
- • Start planning early - benefits have time limits
- • Choose programs that align with career goals
- • Take advantage of counseling services
- • Maintain good academic standing
- • Consider combining with other financial aid when possible
- • Keep detailed records of all educational expenses
Questions About DEA/Chapter 35 Benefits?
Get personalized guidance on eligibility and application process for dependents education benefits