Chapter 35 (DEA) Eligibility for Spouses and Children: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below
On this page
- Chapter 35 in one minute (and how it differs from Fry and the GI Bill)
- The six qualifying conditions for the veteran or service member
- Eligibility for children: age rules before and after August 1, 2023
- Eligibility for spouses and surviving spouses: time limits, divorce and remarriage
- Chapter 35 and DIC: what each family member gives up or keeps
- How to apply step by step with VA Form 22-5490
- After approval: Certificate of Eligibility, school certification and first payment
- Common reasons applications are denied and how to fix them
- What your state adds (tuition waivers that stack with DEA)
- Common questions about Chapter 35 eligibility
- Common questions
Chapter 35 in one minute (and how it differs from Fry and the GI Bill)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
The six qualifying conditions for the veteran or service member
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Eligibility for children: age rules before and after August 1, 2023
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Eligibility for spouses and surviving spouses: time limits, divorce and remarriage
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Chapter 35 and DIC: what each family member gives up or keeps
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
How to apply step by step with VA Form 22-5490
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
After approval: Certificate of Eligibility, school certification and first payment
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Common reasons applications are denied and how to fix them
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
What your state adds (tuition waivers that stack with DEA)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Common questions about Chapter 35 eligibility
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Common questions
- Who qualifies for Chapter 35?
- The spouse or child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected disability or in the line of duty, or who has been MIA or a POW for more than 90 days.
- Is there an age limit for children?
- For children whose eligibility began before August 1, 2023, benefits generally must be used between ages 18 and 26 (extensions to 31 in some cases). For eligibility on or after August 1, 2023, va.gov states there is no minimum age and no expiration date.
- Can a surviving spouse get DIC and Chapter 35 together?
- Yes. Spouses may receive DIC and DEA at the same time; children, however, must give up their DIC payments while drawing DEA.
- How do I apply for Chapter 35?
- File VA Form 22-5490 online at va.gov or mail it to the regional processing office for your school's state. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility to give your school certifying official, who reports your enrollment so payments start.
- Does Chapter 35 pay tuition?
- No. DEA pays a monthly stipend directly to the student ($1,574 for full-time in Oct 2025-Sep 2026); tuition is covered separately through state waivers, FAFSA, scholarships or the Fry Scholarship where eligible.
Sources
- Chapter 35 DEA is available when the veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, died of a service-connected disability or in the line of duty, or was MIA/POW for more than 90 days.
- Beneficiaries whose training began on or after August 1, 2018 receive up to 36 months of DEA; earlier enrollees receive up to 45 months.
- DEA monthly rate for full-time study is $1,574 effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; OJT/apprenticeship pays $999 for months 1-6.
- Dependents apply for DEA on VA Form 22-5490.
- Basic DEA eligibility is defined at 38 CFR 21.3021.
Related guides
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
Every guide in this section
Chapter 35 (DEA) Education Benefits: The Complete Guide
Education, Training & Careers
Fry Scholarship Guide for Surviving Spouses and Children
Education, Training & Careers
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): 2026 Rates and Eligibility
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
Education Benefits for Military Spouses and Veterans' Dependents: Which Program Fits You
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
VA Survivor Benefits: What Spouses and Children Can Claim After a Veteran Dies
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
Scholarships for Military Children, Spouses and Survivors
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and Veterans Alliance is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change; the linked VA.gov pages are always the authoritative source.