Chapter 35 DEA Education Benefits for Dependents: 2026 Guide
If your parent or spouse is a veteran rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) by the VA, or died from a service-connected condition, you may be eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits under Chapter 35. That translates to roughly $67,000 in direct payments for college, vocational training, or graduate school.
The Bottom Line: Chapter 35 pays up to $1,488/month for full-time students, directly to you, for up to 45 months. That is approximately $66,960 toward your education with no obligation to repay.
What Is Chapter 35?
Chapter 35, officially the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides monthly payments to eligible spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans to help cover education and training costs. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 35 does not pay tuition directly to schools. Instead, it sends a flat monthly stipend to you based on your enrollment status.
The benefit recognizes that a veteran's disability affects the entire family. By investing in the education of dependents, Chapter 35 helps families build stable financial futures.
Who Qualifies?
The Veteran Must Be:
- Permanently and totally disabled (P&T): Rated 100% by the VA with a permanent designation
- Deceased from a service-connected condition: Death caused by or related to service-connected disability
- Deceased while rated P&T: Died while holding a P&T rating
- Missing in action or POW: For more than 90 days
TDIU Counts
Veterans receiving TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) are considered permanently and totally disabled for Chapter 35 purposes. If the veteran receives TDIU payments at the 100% rate, dependents qualify even if the schedular rating is below 100%.
Eligible Spouses
- Lawfully married to the qualifying veteran
- Not remarried (remarriage terminates eligibility)
- Have 10 years from the date the VA determines eligibility to use benefits
Eligible Children
- Biological, adopted, or stepchildren of the qualifying veteran
- Between ages 18 and 26
- Not married and not on active duty
- If enrolled on your 26th birthday, you may finish the current semester
Spouses: Watch the Clock: Your 10-year eligibility window starts from the date the VA determined the veteran is P&T or the date of the veteran's death. If the veteran was rated P&T on March 1, 2020, your window closes March 1, 2030. Plan your education timeline accordingly.
Payment Rates (2026)
Chapter 35 payments depend on your enrollment status:
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,488 |
| 3/4 time | $1,116 |
| 1/2 time | $744 |
| Less than 1/2 time | Varies |
Payments go directly to you each month, not to the school. You decide how to allocate the money toward tuition, books, housing, or living expenses.
Total Benefit
At full-time enrollment, 45 months of benefits equals approximately $66,960 total. Part-time enrollment uses benefits proportionally (half-time for one semester uses half the months of entitlement).
What Programs Does Chapter 35 Cover?
Chapter 35 offers broad flexibility. Eligible programs include:
College Degrees
- Associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs
- Professional degrees (J.D., M.D., etc.)
Vocational and Technical Training
- Certificate programs in healthcare, technology, and trades
- HVAC, electrician, plumbing, and welding certifications
- Truck driving, culinary, and cosmetology schools
Other Approved Programs
- Apprenticeships: Registered apprenticeships in skilled trades
- On-the-job training: Paid training with participating employers
- Correspondence courses: Approved distance learning programs
- Flight training: Pilot licensing and certification (with restrictions)
- Licensing and certification tests: One reimbursement per test
- Entrepreneurship training: Small business development courses
Program Requirements
The school and program must be approved for VA education benefits. Most accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools qualify. Check with the school's VA certifying official before enrolling.
What Chapter 35 Does NOT Cover
- Elementary or secondary (high school) education
- Hobby or recreational courses
- Non-accredited institutions
Chapter 35 vs. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Transfer
Some veterans transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents. If you are eligible for both Chapter 35 and transferred Chapter 33 benefits, you must choose one. You cannot combine them.
| Feature | Chapter 35 (DEA) | Chapter 33 (Transferred GI Bill) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Up to $1,488/month flat | Full tuition + housing allowance |
| Total value | ~$67,000 | Often $100,000+ |
| Eligibility | Veteran must be 100% P&T or deceased | Veteran must transfer before separation |
| Time limit | 10 years (spouse), ages 18-26 (child) | 15 years from separation |
Chapter 33 transferred benefits are generally more valuable, but Chapter 35 may be your only option if the veteran did not transfer GI Bill benefits before leaving service.
Already Have a Degree? Chapter 35 has no restrictions on prior education. You can use it for a second bachelor's degree, a master's, a doctorate, or career-change vocational training. Many dependents use Chapter 35 for graduate school.
How to Apply for Chapter 35
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm the veteran is rated 100% P&T or died from a service-connected condition, and that you meet the spouse or child criteria.
Step 2: Submit VA Form 22-5490
Apply online at VA.gov, by mail (VA Regional Processing Office, PO Box 4616, Buffalo, NY 14240-4616), or in person at a VA regional office.
You will need:
- Veteran's VA award letter showing 100% P&T rating (or death certificate)
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate proving your relationship
- Social Security numbers for you and the veteran
- Information about the education program you plan to attend
Step 3: Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility
The VA issues a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), typically within 30 days. Processing may take longer during peak periods.
Step 4: Enroll and Verify Monthly
Once enrolled, your school's VA certifying official submits enrollment information to the VA. You must verify enrollment each month to continue receiving payments.
Tips to Maximize Chapter 35
Enroll Full-Time When Possible
Full-time enrollment ($1,488/month) provides the highest monthly benefit. If your schedule allows, take 12+ credit hours per semester.
Use Summer Sessions
Chapter 35 pays during summer enrollment. Taking summer classes helps you graduate faster and use your full 45 months efficiently.
Combine with Financial Aid
Chapter 35 does not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. Apply for FAFSA to access Pell Grants and scholarships alongside your Chapter 35 payments.
Plan Your Timeline
With 45 months of benefits, you can complete a 4-year bachelor's degree with time remaining for summer courses or a graduate certificate.
Keep the VA Informed
Report any changes immediately: enrollment status, program, school, or address changes. Failing to report can result in overpayments you must repay.
Common Questions
Can I work while using Chapter 35? Yes. There are no income or employment restrictions.
Can I transfer my Chapter 35 benefits to someone else? No. Benefits are personal to each eligible dependent. However, each eligible dependent (spouse and multiple children) gets their own separate 45-month entitlement.
What if I drop a class? If it changes your enrollment status, notify the VA immediately. Your payment adjusts, and you may need to repay benefits for the dropped course.
Can I use Chapter 35 for online programs? Yes, as long as the school and program are approved for VA benefits.
Next Steps
Chapter 35 is one of several benefits available to families of 100% P&T veterans. Use the Veterans Benefits Finder to see the full picture of what your family qualifies for, including CHAMPVA healthcare, property tax exemptions, and state-specific programs.
Get Started: Complete your benefits profile to discover every benefit available to your family. Chapter 35 alone is worth nearly $67,000 in education funding, and it is just one of many programs for dependents of disabled veterans.
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