In the aftermath of service, the sacrifices of many veterans extend beyond the battlefield, often leaving families grappling with the void. Enter the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, or Chapter 35—a beacon for those navigating the tumultuous seas of loss and transition. This program is a lifeline, offering educational benefits to the spouses and children of veterans who have paid the ultimate price or bear the scars of service-connected disabilities.
As a veteran, I’ve navigated the VA system for over 20 years now. I remember as I was ending my time on active duty, I thought long and hard about my future, including my military benefits. As I voiced my concerns, I was told, “Don’t worry about that stuff…the VA will take care of you when you get out.” And they have, to a certain extent, but finding out about what benefits are available to any given veteran can be quite difficult.
I’ve gone years being eligible for certain types of care and programs that I didn’t know I was entitled to. SOFREP doesn’t want that to happen to you. We’re beginning a series of articles to help the veteran and active duty service member about to separate navigate the system, allowing us and our dependents to make the most of our post-service years.
I’ve decided to start with the Dependants’ Educational Assistance Program because this is one I found out about totally by accident before my youngest son began college.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the DEA Program?
To tap into the DEA benefits, one must be the spouse or child of a veteran who meets specific criteria:
- Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition.
- Veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- Veteran died while on active duty.
- Veteran is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
- Veteran was forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity.
Children can begin using benefits at age 18 and typically must use them before turning 26, though recent legislative changes have introduced more flexibility.
Benefits Breakdown: What Does Chapter 35 Offer?
As of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, the DEA program provides monthly payments to eligible individuals pursuing education or training:
- Institutions of Higher Learning (Colleges/Universities):
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214.00 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890.00 per month
- Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time enrollment: $890.00 per month (or tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time enrollment or less: $384.00 per month (or tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- Non-College Degree Programs (Trade/Vocational Schools):
- Same rates as institutions of higher learning.
- On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships:
- Months 1-6: $975.00 per month
- Months 7-12: $733.00 per month
- Months 13-18: $481.00 per month
- More than 19 months: $245.00 per month
- Correspondence Training:
- 55% of the established cost per lesson completed.
- Special Restorative Training (Children Only):
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 per month
- Accelerated charges (if applicable): All tuition costs over $405.00 per month.
These benefits can be used for various educational pursuits, including college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, and certification courses.
Duration and Usage: Maximizing the Benefit
Eligible individuals can receive up to 36 months of benefits, which can be extended to 45 months under certain circumstances. The benefits are typically available for use within specific timeframes:
- Children: Generally, benefits must be used between ages 18 and 26. However, legislative changes have introduced more flexibility, allowing for extensions in certain situations.
- Spouses: Benefits are available for 10 years from the date of eligibility determination. If the veteran died while on active duty, the period extends to 20 years.
Application Process: Navigating the Bureaucracy
Applying for DEA benefits involves several steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure that both the applicant and the veteran meet the eligibility criteria.
- Complete VA Form 22-5490: This is the application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.
- Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online through the VA’s website or mailed to the appropriate VA regional office.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Include necessary documents such as the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), death certificate (if applicable), and proof of relationship.
- Await VA Decision: The VA will review the application and notify the applicant of the decision.
Empowering the Future
The Chapter 35 DEA program shows the nation’s ongoing commitment to those who’ve borne the cost of military service—not just the veterans, but their families too.
By helping spouses and children access education, it gives them a real chance to rebuild, move forward, and build something of their own.
For families facing loss or life-changing disability, this is more than financial aid—it’s a lifeline toward stability, purpose, and a future worth fighting for.
** For more information and to apply, visit the VA’s official DEA page.