Sophia Alexander
Contents
- The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
- Are You Eligible to Receive DEA Benefits?
- How Can You Use Your DEA Benefits?
- What Are the Rates for DEA?
- How to Apply for DEA Benefits in 5 Steps
- Discover More Ways to Fund Your Education With Appily
If you’re the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who has a permanent disability tied to their service, you might qualify for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DEA benefits can be a huge help in paying for college. In fact, the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Annual Benefits Report shows that the VA paid out over $2 million in DEA benefits last year alone.
As someone who’s personally used DEA benefits, I can vouch for how valuable this program is. So, let’s break down what DEA is, who qualifies, and how to apply.
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
Also known as Chapter 35, the DEA program offers education and training support to eligible spouses and children of veterans or service members.
If you qualify, you’ll receive monthly payments to help cover costs for approved school programs, training, or apprenticeships.
Generally, you can keep receiving benefits until your eligibility period ends or you’ve used up all your entitled months.
Are You Eligible to Receive DEA Benefits?
You may qualify for DEA benefits if one of these applies to the veteran or service member:
- They have a permanent and total disability due to a service-connected condition, or
- They died in the line of duty, or
- They passed away from a service-connected disability, or
- They’ve been missing in action (MIA) or captured by a hostile force for over 90 days, or
- They were forcibly detained or interned by a foreign entity for more than 90 days, or
- They’re currently hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a service-connected total disability and are likely to be discharged because of it.
And if one of these applies to you (the dependent):
- You’re 18 or older, or
- You’ve finished high school (or equivalent).
How Can You Use Your DEA Benefits?
DEA benefits can help you in four key ways:
- Pursue a degree – Cover tuition, tutoring, and even test prep courses.
- Train for a career – Pay for vocational programs, living expenses during on-the-job training, or licensing exams.
- Work while studying – Offset costs for co-op training or earn money through the Veterans work-study program.
- Learn remotely – Use benefits for correspondence courses, independent study, or online classes.
What Are the Rates for DEA?
Here are the DEA payment rates (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,536.00 |
| ¾-time | $1,214.00 |
| ½-time | $890.00 |
| Less than ½-time (but over ¼-time) | $890.00 (or tuition/fees, whichever is less) |
| ¼-time or less | $384.00 (or tuition/fees, whichever is less) |
Example: If you’re enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits/semester), you’d get $1,536 per full month. If classes start mid-month, you’ll only get paid for the days enrolled.
Note: These rates apply to colleges/universities only. For non-degree programs, apprenticeships, or correspondence courses, check the VA’s Chapter 35 rates webpage.
How to Apply for DEA Benefits in 5 Steps
You can apply online or by mailing VA Form 22-5490 to your regional VA office. Here’s how to apply online:
1️⃣ Check Eligibility
- Confirm you meet DEA requirements (review the criteria above or visit the VA’s official DEA page).
- Make sure your school/program is VA-approved using the WEAMS Institution Search tool.
2️⃣ Gather Your Documents
- You’ll need the veteran/service member’s name, birthdate, Social Security number, and military history.
- Have your own contact info, address, and bank details ready.
3️⃣ Fill Out the Application
- Log in with a verified account (or create one via Login.gov or ID.me).
- The application takes about 15 minutes. You may get an instant decision—if approved, download your Certificate of Eligibility; if denied, you’ll get a denial letter.
- If no instant decision, expect a mailed response within 30 days.
4️⃣ Submit Your Certificate of Eligibility
- Give this to your school’s VA certifying official (check with the military/veteran services office if unsure).
- They’ll help with certification checklists (I used one myself while earning a certificate at Central Carolina Technical College).
5️⃣ Verify Enrollment Each Semester
- The VA says college students don’t need to verify enrollment, but I still had to do it during my Bachelor’s program.
- To avoid delays, confirm with your school’s VA office every semester.
- Also, update them if your enrollment status changes (adding/dropping classes, etc.).
Discover More Ways to Fund Your Education With Appily
DEA benefits can significantly cut college costs, but remember: you can only use one VA education program at a time.
To cover the rest, pair DEA with scholarships and financial aid. Appily can help you find extra funding—so you can graduate with little or no debt!
