VA Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
Comprehensive guide for VASCOs certifying students using Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits
Quick Facts
Program Overview
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Unlike other VA education benefits, Chapter 35 is for family members, not the veteran. Eligible dependents include:
- • Spouses of permanently and totally disabled veterans
- • Spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions
- • Children of permanently and totally disabled veterans
- • Children of veterans who died from service-connected conditions
- • Children of service members missing in action or POWs
Key Difference: DEA provides a fixed monthly payment to the student, similar to Chapter 30, rather than paying tuition directly to the school.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Children (Sons and Daughters)
You may be eligible if your parent (veteran):
- ✓Died from a service-connected disability
- ✓Has a permanent and total service-connected disability rating
- ✓Died while on active duty or from a non-service-connected condition while rated permanently and totally disabled
- ✓Is missing in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW)
Age Requirements: Children must generally be between ages 18 and 26 to use benefits. The benefit period begins on their 18th birthday and ends on their 26th birthday, with certain exceptions.
Eligibility for Spouses
You may be eligible if your spouse (veteran):
- ✓Has a permanent and total service-connected disability
- ✓Died from any cause while having a permanent and total disability rating
- ✓Died from a service-connected disability
- ✓Died on active duty, and you are not eligible for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
- ✓Is missing in action or a prisoner of war
Time Limitations for Spouses:
- • Generally have 10 years from the date the VA finds the veteran is permanently and totally disabled
- • Or 20 years from the veteran's date of death
- • If the veteran died on active duty, benefits end 20 years from the date of death
Special Circumstances
- •Children born with spina bifida: May qualify if parent is a Vietnam or Korea veteran
- •Children with birth defects: May qualify if parent served in Thailand during Vietnam era
- •Extensions for children: Benefit period may be extended if child is on active duty during their eligibility window
Monthly Benefit Rates (2024)
| Training Type | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Full-Time (Undergraduate/Graduate) | $1,488.00 |
| 3/4 Time | $1,116.00 |
| 1/2 Time | $744.00 |
| Less than 1/2 Time but more than 1/4 Time | $744.00 (maximum) |
| 1/4 Time or less | $372.00 (maximum) |
Important Notes:
- • Rates increase annually on October 1st based on cost of living adjustments
- • Payment goes directly to the student, not the school
- • Students are responsible for paying tuition and fees from this benefit
- • Special allowances available for tutorial assistance and licensing/certification tests
VASCO Certification Guidelines
Initial Certification
- 1.Verify student has received Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from VA
- 2.Confirm student is enrolled and attending classes
- 3.Ensure program is VA-approved
- 4.Submit VA Form 22-1999 within 30 days of term start
- 5.Report accurate credit hours and training time percentage
Ongoing Responsibilities
- •Certify each new enrollment period (semester, quarter, etc.)
- •Report enrollment changes within 30 days (adds, drops, withdrawals)
- •Report student's last date of attendance if they stop attending
- •Monitor and report non-punitive grades (W, I, NP)
- •Respond to VA compliance surveys within 30 days
Special Considerations for Chapter 35
- ⚠Age Verification: For children, verify they are within the eligible age range (18-26 unless extended)
- ⚠Eligibility Expiration: Be aware of eligibility end dates for spouses (10-20 year windows)
- ⚠Relationship Documentation: Students may need to provide proof of relationship to the veteran
- ⚠Tutorial Assistance: DEA students can receive tutorial assistance - coordinate with VA for approval
Approved Programs of Study
Chapter 35 benefits can be used for a wide range of training programs:
Degree Programs
- ✓Undergraduate degrees (Associate, Bachelor's)
- ✓Graduate degrees (Master's, Doctoral)
- ✓Independent study at certain schools
- ✓Cooperative training programs
Non-Degree Programs
- ✓Certificate and diploma programs
- ✓Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- ✓Correspondence courses (certain programs)
- ✓Licensing and certification test reimbursement
Special Programs for Spouses: Spouses can also use benefits for:
- • Entrepreneurship training
- • Farm cooperative training
- • Work-study programs (can earn additional income while training)
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue: Student reports eligibility expired
Cause: Child turned 26 or spouse exceeded the 10-20 year window
Solution: Verify eligibility dates before certifying. Direct student to VA to request extension if they qualify (e.g., child was on active duty during eligibility period).
Issue: Payment insufficient to cover tuition
Cause: Student or family expected tuition to be paid like Chapter 33
Solution: Educate students that Chapter 35 is a fixed monthly payment, not direct tuition coverage. They may need additional financial aid or scholarships.
Issue: Delayed first payment
Cause: Late certification or student didn't submit enrollment verification
Solution: Certify within 30 days of term start. Remind students to verify monthly enrollment if required by VA. Payments typically arrive within 4-6 weeks.
Issue: Student needs documentation of relationship to veteran
Cause: VA requires proof of eligibility through relationship documentation
Solution: Direct student to provide birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other documentation to VA. VASCOs don't verify relationships, only enrollment.
Issue: Student struggling academically and needs tutoring
Cause: Student unaware of tutorial assistance benefit
Solution: Inform student they can apply for tutorial assistance (up to $100/month). They need to submit VA Form 22-1990t. Coordinate with VA for approval.
Chapter 35 vs. Transferred Chapter 33 Benefits
Dependents who qualify for Chapter 35 may also be eligible for transferred Chapter 33 benefits if the veteran transferred their Post-9/11 GI Bill. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Chapter 35 (DEA) | Transferred Ch. 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Basis | Veteran's disability or death | Veteran's transfer of benefits |
| Payment Type | Fixed monthly payment to student | Direct tuition payment + MHA |
| Monthly Amount | $1,488 (full-time, 2024) | Varies by tuition + BAH rate |
| Duration | 45 months | Up to 36 months (varies by transfer) |
| Books Stipend | Included in monthly payment | $1,000/year separate stipend |
| Housing Allowance | No separate housing allowance | MHA based on school location |
Important: Dependents eligible for both programs must choose one. They cannot use both simultaneously. Generally, transferred Chapter 33 provides more generous benefits, especially at higher-cost institutions.
Additional Resources
Related VA Benefits
Tools & Calculators
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