If you’re considering pursuing a higher education degree or completing vocational training and you are a survivor or dependent of a late Veteran, you may qualify for financial support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also called Chapter 35, provides financial assistance through monthly payments made directly to eligible children and spouses of Veterans. While there are some exceptions, payments are typically limited to a maximum of 36 months.  

How Do You Qualify? 

You may be eligible to receive benefits if you are: 

• A spouse or child of a Veteran who died due to a service-connected disability, is rated 100% permanent and totally disabled, who died on active duty, or who was reported missing in action or captured.  
• A dependent, between the ages of 18 and 26 who is not actively serving in the military while receiving benefits.  

It’s important to note that beneficiaries cannot use both the Fry Scholarship and DEA benefits at the same time. Additionally, children cannot collect Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments and DEA benefits simultaneously; they must choose between the two if they are eligible for both. If you’re a surviving spouse, however, you may receive both DIC and DEA payments without restriction.  

There is no limitation on non-VA benefits while receiving Chapter 35 benefits. For example, you could receive an academic scholarship or employer-covered education assistance while receiving DEA coverage as well.  

Explore Covered Programs and Apply  

Once your academic or vocational program is approved by the VA and you qualify for DEA benefits, your monthly payments may be used to cover costs associated with many different types of programs, including:   

• Undergraduate degrees 
• Apprenticeships 
• Licensing exams 
• Trade institutes 
• Graduate degrees 

To find and compare approved programs you’re interested in, check out the VA’s free GI Bill Comparison tool. The exact amount of your monthly payment will be determined by the type of institution or program you’re participating in as well as your enrollment status. For example, someone enrolled full time at an eligible university in 2025 will receive $1,536 monthly, while someone with 75% enrollment will receive $1,214. 

You can apply for DEA benefits online at VA.gov or by mail using the VA Form 22-5490 for first-time applicants. If Chapter 35 benefits are not the right option for you, you may want to consider the post-9/11 GI Bill or other VA Educational Assistance options.  

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