The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans or service members who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability or who died while on active duty. Through this program, these dependents can get assistance for education and training to help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful employment. in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the DEA program, including who is eligible and what kind of educational assistance they can receive.
What is the Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides educational assistance and training opportunities to eligible veterans and service members through various programs, including the Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance Program. This program offers financial aid to dependents and survivors of certain military personnel who are permanently or totally disabled due to a service-connected disability. Eligible dependents may receive up to 36 or 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits for college, technical, vocational degree programs, independent study, online distance learning and other educational assistance programs.
The program also offers high school diploma or GED programs, educational and career counseling services, apprenticeships, on the job training and career certificate courses for eligible dependents. The VA also provides additional educational benefits to veterans and service members with disabilities who need additional assistance in order to participate in their educational or training pursuits. This includes provision of special adaptive equipment, hearing aids, orthopedic braces, outpatient treatment for physical or mental disability and many other VA education programs.
By providing the necessary financial aid through the Dependents Educational Assistance Program, the VA helps eligible dependents continue their education and training opportunities, while allowing service members and veterans to focus on their recovery.
What Does Chapter 35 Cover?
Chapter 35 of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides coverage and benefits for eligible individuals to support their education and career goals. It covers various programs, including college or graduate degree programs, business or vocational courses, high school diploma or GED, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, vocational rehabilitation, educational counseling, exam fees, preparatory courses for licensure or certification, and financial aid for books or school supplies. The benefits aim to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining education and training necessary for successful employment and career advancement.
Who is Eligible for VA Chapter 35 Benefits?
If you are the VETERAN, at least one of the following descriptions must be true:
- You have a 100 percent permanent and total VA rating due to one or more service-connected disabilities.
- You died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
- You are missing in action or were captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
- You were forcibly detained (held) or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity.
- You are currently in the hospital or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and are likely to be discharged for that disability (effective December 23, 2006).
Child of Veteran
If you are the child of a veteran or service member, you may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits under certain conditions. Here are the eligibility criteria for children:
- You must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive benefits, with certain exceptions.
- You may be married or unmarried to qualify for Chapter 35 benefits.
- If you are over 18 years old and receiving benefits under the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, you cannot concurrently receive DIC from the VA. It’s advisable to learn more about DIC to understand its implications.
- If you decide to join the military, you cannot use Chapter 35 benefits while on active duty. Additionally, to utilize this benefit after leaving the service, you must not have a dishonorable discharge. Military service can extend your eligibility for Chapter 35 benefits, but this extension usually does not go beyond your 31st birthday.
Spouse of Veteran
If you are the spouse of a veteran or service member, you may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits under specific circumstances. Here are the eligibility criteria for spouses:
- Your benefits will begin on the date when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines that you qualify or on the date of the veteran’s death, whichever is applicable. These benefits will last for a duration of 10 years.
- If the veteran has been rated as permanently and totally disabled by the VA, with an effective date that is three years after their discharge from active duty, you will qualify for benefits for 20 years from that effective date. This policy was implemented on October 10, 2008. It’s important to note that benefits will not be paid for any training you started before this date.
- In the unfortunate event that the service member died while on active duty, your benefits will end 20 years from the date of their death.
- As a surviving spouse, you can receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments and use Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits simultaneously. DIC provides financial compensation to eligible survivors of deceased veterans, while DEA benefits offer educational assistance for eligible dependents pursuing approved educational programs.
How Do I Check Chapter 35 Eligibility Online?
To check your eligibility for Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits online, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit the official e-Benefits website, which is an online platform provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Log in to your e-Benefits account. If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by following the registration process.
3. Once you are logged in, you will see various sections on the screen. Look for the “My Benefits & Payments” section, typically located on the left-hand side of the page.
4. Within the “My Benefits & Payments” section, click on the “Benefits” option.
5. After clicking on “Benefits,” you will be presented with a list of supplementary benefits. Look for and select the “Education Assistance Program” option.
6. By selecting the “Education Assistance Program,” you will be able to view your entitlements and check your eligibility for Chapter 35 DEA benefits.
How Do I Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits?
To apply for Chapter 35 VA benefits, follow these steps:
1. Contact Your School:
Before applying, get in touch with the certifying official at your school to ensure that your educational program is approved for VA benefits. They will guide you through the process and provide any necessary documentation.
2. Apply Online (Preferred Method):
- Visit the official VA website and access the online application portal.
- Fill out the application for VA education benefits for dependents. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information.
- Submit the application online. This method is generally faster and more convenient.
3. Apply by Mail:
- Download the Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490) from the VA website.
- Fill out the form with all the required information.
- Find the regional processing office address for your state on the last page of the form.
- Mail the completed VA Form 22-5490 to the designated regional processing office.
If you have not started school or training:
- Seek assistance from a trained professional who can help you with VA-related claims.
- Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to gather more information about schools and determine if your program has been approved.\
If you have already started school or training:
- Take your completed application to your school or employer.
- Request that your school fill out a VA Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999c) and submit it to the VA along with your application.
Remember to keep copies of all the application materials for your records, and if you have any questions or need further assistance, reach out to the VA or the certifying official at your school for guidance.
How Long Can You Receive Chapter 35 VA Benefits?
The duration of Chapter 35 VA benefits depends on the specific circumstances and the relationship to the veteran or service member. Here’s an overview of the time limits for receiving these benefits:
1. Children of Surviving Veterans:
Children can utilize Chapter 35 VA benefits as long as they are between the ages of 18 and 26.
2. Spouses and Surviving Spouses:
- Spouses and surviving spouses have either 10 or 20 years to utilize their Chapter 35 benefits, depending on their eligibility status.
- Surviving spouses of service members who died while on active duty are eligible for benefits for a maximum of 20 years.
- Spouses of veterans who are considered permanently and totally disabled by the VA may also receive benefits for 20 years.
It’s important to note that the counting of years begins when the VA office accepts the individual’s eligibility into the Chapter 35 program or from the date of their veteran spouse’s death.
In terms of the monthly stipend, eligible individuals can receive it as long as they remain enrolled in an academic or apprenticeship program and meet the necessary requirements, or for a maximum of 36 months, whichever comes first.
FAQ’s
1. What is VA Dependents Educational Assistance DEA?
VA Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) provides educational assistance to eligible dependents of veterans for approved programs. This program is available under Chapter 35 of Title 38, United States Code. It consists of a monthly stipend and other benefits to help cover educational costs.
2. What is DEA Chapter 35?
DEA Chapter 35 is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that provides educational assistance to eligible dependents of veterans for approved programs. It consists of a monthly stipend and other benefits to help cover educational costs.
3. What does Chapter 35 DEA pay for?
Chapter 35 DEA pays for tuition, fees, books, supplies and other educational expenses required for the successful completion of an approved program. It also provides
4. How does Chapter 35 work for dependents?
Chapter 35 works as a form of educational assistance for eligible dependents who are pursuing an approved program. It consists of a monthly stipend and other benefits to help cover educational costs. Eligible dependents must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for Chapter 35 in order to receive monthly benefits. Additionally, they must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to continue receiving the monthly benefits.
Need help in submitting filling Chapter 35 Benefits?
if you need help in submitting your Chapter 35 VA benefits application or understanding the eligibility criteria, VetClaim can assist. VetClaim provides easy-to-follow guidance on filling out VA forms, gathering evidence to support your claims, and submitting them to the VA. our experienced vet claim coaches can help you with claims for VA Education Benefits and other VA programs. contact us today to learn how we can help.