Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, provides education and training benefits to eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. Eligible dependents may receive a monthly stipend for educational costs, which can be used at approved institutions or training programs. The length and eligibility and the benefit amount vary depending on when the veteran’s rating or death occurred, and the dependent’s age or marital status

According to the VA, you may be eligible for DEA benefits if both you and the veteran or service member meet certain eligibility requirements.

• The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability

• The veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability

• The service member died in the line of duty

• The service member is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty for more than 90 days

• The service member was forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days

• The service member is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability

If you’re the child:

• Can usually use the benefit between the ages of 18 and 26

• Can be married or unmarried

• Cannot use the benefit if you join the military and are on active duty

  • If you want to use this benefit after you leave service, you must be honorably discharged

• Cannot receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) at the same time as DEA benefits

If you’re the spouse:

• Can receive both DEA and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments

• No longer eligible of you get divorced

• Cannot use the benefit if you join the military and are on active duty

  • If you want to use this benefit after you leave service, you must be honorably discharged

• If the veteran dies and you remarry, you are no longer eligible for the DEA benefits through that eligible veteran. However, there are 2 exceptions:

  • Your new marriage was on or after January 1, 2004, and you were at least 57 years old

  • Your new marriage ends due to death or divorce

• Tuition and fees: DEA covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs at approved schools and training programs

• Monthly payments: Dependents may receive monthly payment to help with living expenses

• Educational and career counseling

• Benefits can be used for college, technical schools, vocational training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training

• Special restorative training: Certain disabled or surviving spouses may be eligible for special restorative training to address impairments related to their disability

Apply Online:

Click to apply for education benefits as an eligible dependent

My Mail:

Fill out VA Form 22-5490 (Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits)

If you’ve already chosen a school:

• Mail completed form to the regional processing office in the state where your school or training program is

• Tell the certifying official at your school that you applied for VA education benefits. Ask them to submit your enrollment information online

If you haven’t chosen a school yet

• Mail completed form to the regional processing office in the state where you live

• When you choose a school, tell the certifying official at your school that you applied for VA education benefits. Ask them to submit your enrollment information online

DEA can significantly ease the financial burden of education for surviving or dependent family members. However, eligibility rules and application timing can be complex. A VA-accredited representative can help clarify benefit options, confirm eligibility, and guide families through the application process.

We have attorney’s and representatives here at Greene & Marusak that can help you complete your application.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737