DEA/Chapter 35 Education Benefits
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program providing education benefits to children and spouses of veterans.
Chapter 35 Benefits Overview
The DEA program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans and service members.
2025 Payment Rates
Effective October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025Institutions of Higher Learning:
- Full-time enrollment:$1,536.00/month
- 3/4-time enrollment:$1,214.00/month
- 1/2-time enrollment:$890.00/month
- Less than 1/2-time:$890.00/month*
Training Programs:
- Months 1-6:$975.00/month
- Months 7-12:$733.00/month
- Months 13-18:$481.00/month
- After 19 months:$245.00/month
*Or tuition and fees, whichever is less
Eligibility Requirements
For Children
You may be eligible if you are the son or daughter (including stepchildren and adopted children) of a qualifying Veteran or service member.
- Generally between 18 and 26 years old
- Can be married or unmarried
- Cannot use while on active duty
- Must not have dishonorable discharge if former military
For Spouses
Spouses of qualifying Veterans or service members may also be eligible for DEA benefits.
- Must be married to qualifying Veteran
- Benefits available for 10 years from eligibility date
- Can pursue various education levels
- Correspondence training available
Veteran/Service Member Must Meet One of These Criteria:
- Permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability
- Died as a result of service-connected disability
- Died in the line of duty
- Missing in action for more than 90 days
- Captured or detained for more than 90 days
- Hospitalized for permanent and total disability
What DEA Covers
Education Programs
- Undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Vocational and technical training
- Certificate programs
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Correspondence courses (spouses only)
Additional Benefits
- Up to 36 months of benefits
- Educational and career counseling
- Special restorative training (children only)
- Work-study programs
- Tutorial assistance
Important Time Limits
For Children:
Generally must use benefits between ages 18-26. Extensions may be available for active duty service or other qualifying circumstances.
For Spouses:
Must use benefits within 10 years of the date VA finds you eligible, or within 20 years of the Veteran's death.
How to Apply
Gather Required Documents
Collect necessary documentation to support your application:
- • Birth certificate or adoption papers
- • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- • Veteran's DD-214 or service records
- • VA rating decision or death certificate
- • School enrollment verification
Submit Application
Complete and submit VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance) online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
Enroll in School
Once approved, enroll in an approved education program and submit your enrollment certification to begin receiving benefits.
Important Considerations
DIC Recipients
If you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you must give up those payments when you start using DEA benefits.
Extensions Available
The VA may extend your eligibility period if you served on active duty, generally not beyond your 31st birthday.