Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

What is Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)?

Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), often referred to as Chapter 35, is a VA program that offers education and training opportunities to the spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition (or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition).

What does the benefit provide?

DEA provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the student to help cover the cost of schooling. It does not pay tuition directly to the school like the GI Bill; instead, the student receives the cash payment to use for tuition, books, or housing.

• Duration: Eligible dependents usually receive up to 36 months of full-time benefits.
• Payment amount: As of recent rates, a full-time student receives approximately $1,400+ per month (rates adjust annually).

Who is eligible?

The benefit is available to the dependents of a veteran with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating.

• Children: Generally eligible between the ages of 18 and 26.
• Spouses: Generally have 10 years from the date of the veteran’s P&T rating to use the benefit (though rules vary based on when the rating was granted).

What types of training are covered?

DEA is not limited to four-year universities. It can be used for:

• College and University degree programs
• Vocational and technical training
• Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Farm cooperative training
• High school diploma or GED programs (in some cases)

Can I get back pay for school I already attended?

Potentially. If a veteran is granted a 100% P&T rating retroactively, and a dependent was in school during that retroactive period, the student may be able to file for reimbursement for the months they were in school after the effective date of the rating.