The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, offers valuable monthly financial assistance for education and training to eligible spouses and children of certain Veterans and service members. This program aims to help dependents pursue higher education, vocational training, or apprenticeships to achieve their career goals.
What is Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)?
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program is a federal benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It provides financial support for education and training to the spouses and children of Veterans or service members who are permanently and totally disabled due due to a service-connected disability, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability. The program helps cover costs associated with college, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other approved educational pursuits.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for DEA benefits depends on the status of both the Veteran or service member and the dependent (spouse or child). Here’s a breakdown of the general requirements:
- The Veteran or Service Member must meet one of these criteria:
- Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
- Died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- Died in the line of duty while on active duty.
- Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days.
- Was forcibly detained (held) or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days.
- Is in the hospital or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
- If you are the child of an eligible Veteran or service member:
- You can be married or unmarried.
- You generally cannot use this benefit while on active duty in the military. If you use it after leaving service, you must not have a dishonorable discharge.
- If you are receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you typically need to give up those payments when you start using DEA.
- Age Limits: Generally, children must use benefits between ages 18-26. However, if you became eligible, turned 18, or completed high school on or after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit to use these benefits. For those eligible before August 1, 2023, benefits typically must be used within 8 years before turning 26, with some exceptions (e.g., if you joined the military, you may have up to 8 years from discharge, under age 31).
- If you are the spouse of an eligible Veteran or service member:
- You can receive both DEA and VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments.
- You will generally no longer be eligible for DEA benefits if you get divorced.
- If the Veteran dies and you remarry, you will typically lose eligibility for DEA benefits qualified through that Veteran, with two exceptions: if your new marriage was on or after January 1, 2004, and you were at least 57 years old; or if your new marriage ends due to death or divorce.
- You generally cannot use this benefit while on active duty in the military. If you use it after leaving service, you must not have a dishonorable discharge.
- Time Limits: If the event that qualified you for DEA happened before August 1, 2023, your benefits typically end after 10 years. If the service member died on active duty, benefits may end after 20 years. If the qualifying event happened on or after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit to use your benefits.
What You Can Get
The DEA program provides financial assistance to help cover education and training expenses. Here are the key benefits:
- Monthly Financial Assistance: You may receive a monthly payment directly to you to help cover the cost of school or expenses while participating in approved on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. As of 2026, the estimated monthly benefit for full-time students is approximately $1,400 per month. Please note that this is an estimate, and actual rates can change. Always verify current payment rates directly with VA.gov for the most accurate figures.
- Duration of Benefits:
- If your school or training started on or after August 1, 2018, you may be able to receive benefits for up to 36 months.
- If your school or training started before August 1, 2018, you may be able to receive benefits for up to 45 months.
- Educational and Career Counseling: In addition to financial payments, eligible individuals may also receive educational and career counseling services to help them choose a program, understand their benefits, and plan their career path.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
Applying for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) typically involves these steps:
- Gather Information: Ensure you have all necessary personal information for yourself and the Veteran or service member, including their service details and VA file number.
- Choose Your Application Method:
- Apply Online: The most common method is to apply directly through VA.gov. You will typically complete VA Form 22-5490, “Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits,” online.
- Apply by Mail: Alternatively, you can download and fill out VA Form 22-5490 manually. If you have already chosen a school, mail your completed form to the regional processing office in the state where your school or training program is located. You can find the appropriate regional processing office on VA.gov.
- Enroll in an Approved Program: Ensure the school or training program you plan to attend is approved by the VA for DEA benefits. You can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on VA.gov or contact the school’s certifying official to verify.
- Verify Enrollment: Once approved and enrolled, you must verify your school enrollment each month to receive your monthly payments. The VA provides instructions on how to do this.
For the most up-to-date application instructions and to access the online application, visit the official VA website: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Navigating federal benefits can be complex. Here are some common issues to be aware of when considering the DEA program:
- Misunderstanding Age and Time Limits: The rules for how long you have to use benefits (age 18-26 for children, 10 or 20 years for spouses) have changed for those eligible on or after August 1, 2023. Not understanding these specific dates and exceptions can lead to missed opportunities.
- Remarriage for Spouses: Spouses generally lose eligibility upon remarriage, with specific exceptions related to the date of remarriage (on or after January 1, 2004) and age (at least 57), or if the new marriage ends.
- Using Benefits While on Active Duty: Both children and spouses typically cannot use DEA benefits while serving on active duty in the military.
- Not Verifying School Enrollment: To receive monthly payments, beneficiaries must verify their school enrollment regularly. Failure to do so can result in delayed or suspended payments.
- Confusing DEA with Fry Scholarship: Children of service members who died in the line of duty may qualify for both DEA and the Fry Scholarship, but there are complex rules regarding using them simultaneously or sequentially, and combined benefit caps apply. Spouses must generally choose one program.
- Children Receiving DIC: If a child is receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), they typically must give up those payments to start using DEA benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both DEA benefits and the Fry Scholarship?
For children, it depends on when the parent died. If the parent died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, you may qualify for both but can only use one benefit at a time, with a combined cap of 81 months. If the parent died on or after August 1, 2011, you may use both only if you qualify for DEA under a different event, also using one at a time, with a combined cap of 48 months. Spouses generally cannot use both and must choose one program.
Are there age limits for children to use DEA benefits?
Yes, generally. For children who became eligible, turned 18, or completed high school before August 1, 2023, benefits typically must be used within 8 years before turning 26. However, if eligibility, turning 18, or high school completion occurred on or after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit to use the benefits. Some exceptions may extend the age limit in specific circumstances, such as joining the military.
What happens if a spouse remarries after the Veteran’s death?
If a spouse remarries after the Veteran dies, they generally lose eligibility for DEA benefits. However, there are two key exceptions: if the new marriage occurred on or after January 1, 2004, and the spouse was at least 57 years old; or if the new marriage subsequently ends due to death or divorce. In these cases, remaining DEA benefits may be restored.
How long can I receive DEA benefits?
The maximum duration of benefits depends on when your school or training program started. If it began on or after August 1, 2018, you may receive benefits for up to 36 months. If it started before August 1, 2018, you may be eligible for up to 45 months. Additionally, there are specific time limits for when you must use these benefits, which vary for children and spouses based on their eligibility date.
Where to Get Help
- Apply or check status: VA.gov
- Call VA: 1-800-827-1000 (general benefits)
- Visit a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free claim assistance — DAV, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion
- VA Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then press 1
Written by Megan Sinclair, Benefits & Grants Researcher, Sapipine, Inc. · Cross-checked against official .gov program rules · About our research · Last verified: 2026-05-13
Primary Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov). Official program page: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
DISCLAIMER: Gov Money Map is not a government agency, tax advisor, financial advisor, or law firm. This page provides general educational information only. Federal program rules, dollar amounts, and eligibility criteria change frequently — verify current details with the official agency before submitting an application or making a financial decision. Last updated: May 2026.