DEA Chapter 35 is a Veterans Affairs benefit for some children and spouses of Veterans or service members. It can matter to a student leaving high school for college, but eligibility depends on a specific service-related event: examples include a permanent and total service-connected disability, death from that disability, death in the line of duty, missing status, or capture. Being related to a Veteran alone is not enough; VA reviews the event, family relationship, and individual record.
For college study, VA sends money directly to the student. From October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, the published full-time rate is up to $1,621 per full month; 75% enrollment is $1,281, and 50% is $939. A first or final month may be prorated by days enrolled. Below half-time, payment may be limited to the lower of the applicable rate or tuition and fees. This is not a tuition waiver automatically applied to the campus bill.
The program may provide up to 36 months for training that begins on or after August 1, 2018, and up to 45 months if it began earlier. The use window changes with the eligibility event date. Some children who turned 18 or finished high school on or after August 1, 2023, have no age or time limit; earlier cases generally have an eight-year window before age 26, with exceptions. Spouses generally have ten- or twenty-year limits for events before August 2023, while later events have no time limit. Given the conditions, ask VA for an eligibility decision before counting on several years of support.
First use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find the program and campus, then confirm with the school certifying official that the specific course is approved. The initial application is VA Form 22-5490, submitted at VA.gov or by mail. Tell the campus certifying office that you applied: VA needs enrollment certification and may require enrollment verification before releasing payments. A course change, withdrawal, or partial term can change the monthly amount.
Surviving children may have options under both DEA and the Fry Scholarship, but combined use depends on when the death occurred and which eligibility basis applies. For some spouses, choosing one benefit over the other is irreversible. Compare remaining months, payments, and rules before selecting; do not assume the benefits can be stacked without checking the specific rule.
Have service and relationship records, the event date, course load, and eligibility letter ready. The official DEA profile lists rates, rules, and the application; the Education Call Center answers benefit and payment questions. VA lists 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Central Time; check its page for current hours before calling.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Chapter 35 rates for survivors and dependents, 2026–27 — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Apply for DEA or Fry benefits: VA Form 22-5490 — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Contact the Education Call Center — Veterans Benefits Administration.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Rates, limits, rules, and amounts apply to the dates stated and may change; the responsible agency or institution decides each case.
Chapter 35 can pay the student monthly, but eligibility, entitlement months, and rates depend on dates and school-certified enrollment.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
DEA pays an eligible student a monthly benefit rather than waiving tuition. The Veteran’s qualifying status and each family member’s age and time-limit rules determine eligibility.
Federal education benefit for eligible dependents and survivors of Veterans
Veterans Benefits Administration — Education Call Center
The call center can guide applicants on education-benefit questions and application status; VA decides eligibility and payment after receiving the person’s records and school certification.
Federal help center for education benefits for Veterans and family members
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Veterans Benefits Administration · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Veterans Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Veterans Benefits Administration — Education Call Center ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Veterans Benefits Administration — Education Call Center ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.