Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, known as DEA or Chapter 35, pays certain children and spouses of Veterans or service members directly for education. It can support college, training, and some job programs; eligibility depends on the Veteran’s official status and family relationship, not the student’s financial need.
VA lists situations such as permanent and total service-connected disability, death from a service-connected cause, death in the line of duty, or missing/captured status lasting more than 90 days. The beneficiary must also meet relationship, age, and date rules; eligibility periods differ for spouses, children, and cases before or after statutory changes. Request an individual review before planning a timeline.
DEA uses monthly payments that vary by training type, course load, and progress; VA publishes current rates and pays the student rather than necessarily paying the school. Below half-time, payment may be capped at tuition and fees. Total entitlement months depend on the qualifying event and date.
Submit VA Form 22-5490 online or by mail, and ask the school to certify enrollment in an approved program. Prepare the student’s and Veteran’s information, proof of relationship, and relevant VA decision. Check remaining months before comparing DEA with Fry, since benefits interact and should not be combined without VA approval.
Rates and age rules depend on case dates; a published table does not replace VA’s eligibility decision. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask your financial-aid office to review your individual case.
DEA (Chapter 35) — Veterans Affairs.
Chapter 35 rates — Veterans Affairs.
Apply for DEA or Fry — Veterans Affairs.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Scholarships, loans, rates, amounts, and application cycles can change. Read the contract and confirm the current cycle with the agency or financial-aid office before making decisions.
Rates and age rules depend on case dates; a published table does not replace VA’s eligibility decision.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)
Direct monthly payment for approved education; rate and months vary with course load, level, and eligibility date.
Public student financial-aid program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — DEA / Chapter 35
The agency verifies the Veteran’s status, family relationship, eligibility period, and approval of the education program.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35) ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — DEA / Chapter 35 ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — DEA / Chapter 35 ↗
Primary source
Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.