The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program also known as VA Chapter 35 provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of certain veterans.
If you’re a surviving spouse, child, or dependent of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions, or who died while on active duty or as a result of service-related injury, these benefits can help you pursue college, technical, or career training.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, new monthly payment rates are effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Overview: 2025–2026 Chapter 35 DEA Rates
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) |
| Governing Chapter | Chapter 35, Title 38, U.S. Code |
| Effective Dates | October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 |
| Monthly Payment Range | $251.00 – $1,574.00 depending on program type |
| Authority | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Payment Type | Direct monthly deposit to student |
| Who Qualifies | Eligible dependents and survivors of certain disabled or deceased veterans |
| Official Website | www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits |
How VA Determines Your Chapter 35 Rate?
Your monthly rate depends on:
- Type of training you’re enrolled in (college, vocational, apprenticeship, or special program), and
- Training load or enrollment level (full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, etc.).
You’ll receive less than the full monthly rate if:
- You’re enrolled part-time,
- You’re in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, or
- You’re completing correspondence or restorative training.
Payments are made directly to the student, and if you’re enrolled for only part of a month, your benefit is prorated by the number of days you were enrolled.
2025–2026 DEA Monthly Rates
1. Institutions of Higher Learning (Colleges and Universities)
| Enrollment Type | Monthly Rate (Full Month) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| ¾-time | $1,244.00 |
| ½-time | $912.00 |
| Less than ½ but more than ¼ time | $912.00 or tuition/fees (whichever is less) |
| ¼-time or less | $393.50 or tuition/fees (whichever is less) |
Example: If your term starts on the 20th and runs for 10 days in that month, you’d receive about one-third of the full monthly rate. If your tuition is lower than the standard rate, VA pays the actual tuition and fees as a lump sum at the start of the term.
2. Non-College Degree (Trade or Vocational Schools)
| Enrollment Type | Monthly Rate (Full Month) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| ¾-time | $1,244.00 |
| ½-time | $912.00 |
| Less than ½ but more than ¼ time | $912.00 or tuition/fees (whichever is less) |
| ¼-time or less | $393.50 or tuition/fees (whichever is less) |
Example: If enrolled for 90 days at less than half time, your maximum for the term is $2,736.00 ($912 × 3). If your total tuition and fees are $2,600, VA pays that amount directly at the beginning of the program.
3. On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeships
Your monthly rate decreases as your training progresses:
| Training Period | Monthly Rate (Full Month) |
|---|---|
| Months 1–6 | $999.00 |
| Months 7–12 | $751.00 |
| Months 13–18 | $493.00 |
| More than 19 months | $251.00 |
Note: You must work at least 120 hours per month to qualify for the full rate. As payments decrease, your entitlement charges (the number of months used) also go down proportionally.
4. Correspondence Training
Only spouses using Chapter 35 benefits are eligible for correspondence courses.
The VA pays 55% of the approved cost for lessons completed by mail or online.
Children are not eligible for correspondence benefits under Chapter 35.
5. Special Restorative Training
This program is designed for students with disabilities that make standard educational programs difficult.
| Training Type | Monthly Rate (Full-Time) |
|---|---|
| Special Restorative Training | $1,574.00 |
| Accelerated Charges (Tuition/Fees over $415 per month) | Covered by VA |
VA may deduct 1 day of entitlement for each $52.47 paid (1/30 of the full-time rate).
6. Licensing, Certification, and Test Fees
| Expense Type | Reimbursement Limit | Entitlement Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing or Certification Test | Up to $2,000 per test | 1 month per $1,574.00 paid |
| Test Preparation Course | Actual cost covered | 1 month per $1,574.00 paid |
| National Test Fees (SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc.) | No limit | 1 month per $1,574.00 paid |
VA pays these fees directly to you after submission of receipts or certification from the testing institution.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits if you are:
- The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability,
- The surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty, or
- The dependent of a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected condition.
Eligible dependents typically have 10 years to use their benefits (or longer under certain conditions), while children generally have until age 26.
How Payments Work?
- Payments are sent directly to your bank account each month.
- If your program begins or ends mid-month, your payment is prorated.
- For less than half-time enrollment, VA may issue a lump-sum payment at the beginning of each term for total tuition and fees.
Example:
If your course runs for 10 days in a 30-day month, your payment will be one-third of your full-time rate (roughly $524.67).
Final Thoughts
The Chapter 35 DEA program remains one of the most valuable educational resources available to the families of America’s veterans. The 2025–2026 rate adjustment ensures that survivors and dependents continue receiving inflation-adjusted, tax-free educational assistance.
Whether you’re pursuing a college degree, vocational certificate, or professional license, these benefits help secure a more stable future.
“Chapter 35 benefits provide the opportunity to rebuild lives through education,” said Dr. Lisa Fernandez, VA education outreach specialist. “It’s not just about tuition support it’s about honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.”
FAQs
When do the new Chapter 35 rates take effect?
The new rates apply from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Who qualifies for DEA benefits under Chapter 35?
Spouses, children, and dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or deceased due to service-related causes.
Are payments made directly to schools or to students?
VA sends monthly payments directly to the student, not the school.
How are partial months calculated?
VA prorates payments based on the number of days enrolled that month.
Can dependents use benefits for online programs?
Yes. Chapter 35 covers accredited online degree and vocational programs as long as they meet VA approval.
Are Chapter 35 payments taxable?
No. DEA benefits are tax-free and do not count as income.
