VA Chapter 35 — Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

What Is Chapter 35 / DEA?

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program — authorized under Chapter 35 of Title 38, U.S. Code — provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died as a result of a service-connected disability. DEA is a federal VA benefit separate from state tuition waivers and may be used in combination with them.

Who May Qualify

DEA eligibility is based on the veteran's status and the dependent's relationship to the veteran. The VA determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. The following categories may qualify:

Spouse Eligibility

A spouse of a qualifying veteran may be eligible for DEA benefits if the veteran meets one of the following conditions:

Permanent & Total DisabilityThe veteran has a service-connected disability rated as permanent and total (100% P&T) by the VA.

Died from Service-Connected CauseThe veteran died from a service-connected disability.

Died on Active DutyThe veteran died while on active duty, and the death was not the result of willful misconduct.

Missing in Action / POWThe veteran has been listed as missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.

Note for Spouses: Spouses of veterans rated 100% P&T generally have up to 10 years from the date the VA establishes the veteran's eligibility to use DEA benefits. Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes may have a different eligibility window. Verify your specific time limit with the VA.

Child / Dependent Eligibility

A child of a qualifying veteran may be eligible for DEA benefits if the veteran meets the same qualifying conditions listed above for spouses. Additional eligibility requirements for children include:

The child must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to use DEA benefits (in most cases)
The child must be the biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the qualifying veteran
Children who are on active duty may not receive DEA benefits during that period
Marriage does not disqualify a child from DEA eligibility
In some circumstances, the VA may extend eligibility beyond age 26 — contact the VA for details

Note for Children: Unlike spouses, children generally do not have a time limit tied to the veteran's eligibility date — the age window (18–26) is the primary constraint. Verify your specific situation with the VA.

Types of Education & Training That May Qualify

DEA benefits may be used for a wide range of VA-approved education and training programs:

College & University Degrees

Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs at VA-approved colleges and universities.

Vocational & Technical Training

Certificate and vocational programs at VA-approved trade and technical schools.

Apprenticeships & On-the-Job Training

Approved apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training in skilled trades and occupations.

Farm Cooperative Training

Training programs that combine classroom instruction with practical farm experience.

Special Restorative Training

Training designed to overcome a physical or mental disability for eligible dependents.

Special Vocational Training

Programs designed to prepare eligible dependents for a specific vocation or career field.

How the Application Process Works

Applying for DEA / Chapter 35 benefits is done through the VA. The process generally follows these steps:

Step 01

Confirm Eligibility

Verify that the qualifying veteran has a 100% P&T rating or meets another qualifying condition. Gather the veteran's VA rating decision letter or other qualifying documentation.

Step 02

Choose a VA-Approved Program

Select an education or training program at a VA-approved institution. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov to search approved schools and programs.

Step 03

Submit VA Form 22-5490

Complete and submit VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance). This can be done online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

Step 04

VA Processes Your Claim

The VA will review your application and notify you of the decision. Processing times vary. You can check your claim status at VA.gov.

Step 05

Enroll in Your Program

Once approved, enroll in your chosen program. Notify the VA of your enrollment each term or semester as required.

Step 06

Receive Benefits

DEA provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the student. The amount depends on enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time). Check current rates at va.gov/education/benefit-rates/chapter-35-rates/.

What Information & Documents May Be Needed

When applying for DEA benefits, you may need the following:

Veteran's Social Security number and VA file number (if known)
Veteran's VA disability rating decision letter (showing 100% P&T status) or death certificate if applicable
Proof of your relationship to the veteran (birth certificate for children; marriage certificate for spouses)
Your Social Security number
Name and address of the school or training program you plan to attend
Information about any other VA education benefits you may be receiving

Current Benefit & Payment Rates

DEA provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the eligible dependent. The amount varies based on enrollment status:

Full-TimeMaximum monthly benefit — check current rate at VA.gov

Three-Quarter Time¾ of the full-time monthly benefit

Half-Time½ of the full-time monthly benefit

Less Than Half-TimeTuition and fees only, up to the applicable maximum

Check Current Rates: DEA payment rates are updated periodically by the VA. Always verify the current monthly benefit amounts directly at va.gov/education/benefit-rates/chapter-35-rates/.

Important Eligibility & Time-Limit Considerations

DEA benefits are generally limited to 45 months of full-time training (or the equivalent in part-time training).
Spouses of 100% P&T veterans typically have a 10-year window from the date the VA establishes eligibility to use DEA benefits. This window may differ for surviving spouses.
Children are generally eligible between ages 18 and 26. The VA may grant extensions in certain circumstances.
DEA benefits cannot be used while the dependent is on active military duty.
If a dependent is eligible for both DEA (Chapter 35) and the Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33), they must choose one — they cannot receive both for the same period.
DEA benefits are separate from the GI Bill. A veteran's use of GI Bill benefits does not reduce a dependent's DEA entitlement.

What Happens After Applying

After submitting VA Form 22-5490, the following typically occurs:

The VA reviews your application and verifies the qualifying veteran's eligibility status.
The VA sends a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if your application is approved. Provide this to your school's veterans certifying official.
Your school certifies your enrollment to the VA each term.
The VA pays your monthly stipend directly to you based on your certified enrollment status.
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress as required by your institution and the VA.
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the VA's decision through the standard VA appeals process.

VGS Information Notice

The information on this page is provided for educational awareness only. Veteran Global Solutions is not a VA-accredited claims agent, attorney, or benefits advisor. Eligibility for DEA / Chapter 35 benefits is determined solely by the VA based on your individual circumstances. Always verify current eligibility requirements, payment rates, and application procedures directly through official VA resources at va.gov.

Dependents' Educational Assistance — Chapter 35