For thousands of military families, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35 is the financial bridge that makes higher education and career training possible. As education costs continue to rise, knowing exactly how much the VA pays in 2026 and how those payments work can make or break a student’s budget.
The 2026 VA Chapter 35 DEA pay rates, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, introduce clearly defined monthly stipends that vary by training type and enrollment status. Whether you’re attending college, enrolling in a trade program, or entering an apprenticeship, understanding these rates ensures you maximize your benefits and avoid surprise shortfalls.
As VA disability expert Brian Reese explains:
“Chapter 35 is one of the most valuable but misunderstood education benefits. Knowing how training time and program type affect payments is critical.”
This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What Is VA Chapter 35 DEA?
VA Chapter 35 DEA is a federal education benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides monthly financial assistance to eligible spouses and children of veterans who:
- Are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions
- Died as a result of service-connected causes
- Are missing in action or captured in the line of duty
Unlike GI Bill programs, DEA payments are sent directly to the student, not the school, and can be used for tuition, housing, books, transportation, or other education-related costs.
Key Features of the Chapter 35 Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Type | Monthly stipend |
| Paid To | Student (not school) |
| Service Requirement | No prior military service required |
| Eligible Programs | College, vocational, apprenticeships, certification |
| Maximum Usage | Up to 45 months |
| Payment Timing | Paid monthly, in arrears |
A senior VA education counselor notes:
“Chapter 35 gives families flexibility students decide how to spend the benefit based on their needs.”
Who Is Eligible for Chapter 35 DEA in 2026?
Eligibility depends on relationship to the veteran and the veteran’s service-connected status.
Eligible Dependents
- Spouses of qualifying veterans
- Biological, adopted, and stepchildren
Age & Time Limits
- Children: Typically ages 18–26
- Spouses: Eligibility window depends on disability determination or date of death
All beneficiaries must be enrolled in a VA-approved education or training program to receive payments.
How the VA Calculates Your DEA Payment?
The VA bases your Chapter 35 payment on two factors only:
- Type of education or training
- Training time (full-time, half-time, etc.)
Payments are not tied to tuition costs. Two students attending different schools at the same training time receive the same monthly amount.
A VA policy analyst explains:
“DEA is enrollment-based, not cost-based. That’s what makes budgeting predictable once you understand the system.”
2026 VA Chapter 35 DEA Pay Rates
Effective: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
College & University Programs
| Training Time | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| ¾-time | $1,244.00 |
| ½-time | $912.00 |
| Less than ½-time (>¼-time) | Up to $912.00 |
| ¼-time or less | Up to $393.50 |
Trade & Vocational Programs
| Training Time | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| ¾-time | $1,244.00 |
| ½-time | $912.00 |
| Less than ½-time (>¼-time) | Up to $912.00 |
| ¼-time or less | Up to $393.50 |
Payment Details for Apprenticeships and OJT
On-the-job training and apprenticeships follow a step-down payment structure as experience increases.
| Program Stage | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Months 1–6 | $999.00 |
| Months 7–12 | $751.00 |
| Months 13–18 | $493.00 |
| 19+ months | $251.00 |
“The early months pay more because that’s when apprentices need the most financial support,” explains a workforce training specialist.
Special Training and Testing Benefits
Correspondence Training
- Pays 55% of approved lesson costs
- Spouses only (children are not eligible)
Special Restorative Training (Children Only)
- Full-time rate: $1,574/month
- Designed to help overcome physical or mental barriers to education
Licensing & Certification Exams
- Up to $2,000 for qualifying tests
- National tests have no reimbursement cap
- Entitlement is charged based on fees paid
How Prorated Payments Work?
Chapter 35 is paid in arrears, meaning after the month of attendance.
Proration Example
- Term starts January 20
- Student enrolled for 11 days
- Payment equals roughly ⅓ of the monthly rate
Less Than Half-Time Rule
If enrolled less than half-time, the VA may:
- Cap payment at actual tuition and fees
- Issue a lump-sum payment instead of monthly deposits
Recent Updates for 2026
- No change to maximum entitlement (45 months)
- Full-time rate remains aligned across college and vocational programs
- Apprenticeship step-down structure remains unchanged
- Payments continue to be issued after enrollment month ends
Why the 2026 Chapter 35 Rates Matter?
For dependents relying on DEA benefits:
- Course load decisions directly affect income
- Mid-month starts reduce payments
- Apprenticeship step-downs require advance budgeting
A military family financial advisor summarizes it best:
“Understanding Chapter 35 rates isn’t optional it’s the difference between staying enrolled and dropping out.”
FAQs
When do Chapter 35 pay rates change?
Every VA fiscal year, beginning October 1.
Are payments the same for online and in-person classes?
Yes. Training time not class format determines payment.
Can I receive DEA if enrolled less than half-time?
Yes, but payments may be capped at tuition costs.
Do payments arrive during the month of attendance?
No. DEA payments are issued after the month ends.
Is Chapter 35 taxable income?
No. DEA payments are tax-free.
