VA Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (DEA), commonly known as Chapter 35, is a vital benefit for the spouses and children of deceased or permanently disabled veterans.
This program provides financial support for higher education and training, helping eligible dependents pursue their academic and career goals.
Each month, beneficiaries receive payments based on their enrollment status, and the next deposit is just around the corner. Let’s look into who qualifies for DEA benefits, how much recipients can expect to receive, and when the next payment will be issued.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
To qualify for Chapter 35 benefits, you must be:
- A child (including stepchildren or adopted children) of a veteran who is deceased or permanently and totally disabled due to service-related causes, between the ages of 18 and 26.
- A spouse of a veteran who is deceased or permanently and totally disabled due to service-related causes. Eligibility begins when the veteran receives their disability notice or on the effective date of their evaluation.
Payments
The amount of financial aid varies depending on the type of education or training you are pursuing. Payment rates depend on factors such as course load and time spent in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.
| Training Type | Monthly Payment Range |
|---|---|
| Full-time higher education | $1,536 |
| Three-quarter time | $1,192 |
| Half-time | $945 |
| On-the-job training/apprenticeship | $245 – $1,200 |
These payments help cover tuition, books, and living expenses for eligible dependents, ensuring they have the financial support needed to complete their education.
Payment Schedule
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays benefits on the 1st of the following month for the previous month’s attendance. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day of the current month.
For March 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:
- February payment: Since March 1 falls on a Saturday, payments will be issued on Friday, February 28, 2025
- March payment: Will be deposited on Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Partial Payments
If you have recently enrolled in the DEA program, your first payment will be issued on the 1st of the month after your classes begin. However, the amount will be prorated based on when your classes started.
For example, if your course began on February 20, your February payment would cover February 20-28, which means you would receive about one-third of your full monthly amount. The full payment will begin in March if you remain enrolled.
VA DEA benefits provide essential financial assistance to the dependents of veterans, ensuring they have access to education and career training. By knowing eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and benefit amounts, recipients can better plan their finances and educational journey.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Chapter 35 benefits?
Children and spouses of deceased or permanently disabled veterans are eligible.
How much can I receive from DEA benefits?
Monthly payments range from $245 to $1,536, depending on enrollment.
When will I receive my March 2025 payment?
March benefits will be deposited on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
What if my classes start mid-month?
Your first payment will be prorated based on your start date.
How does VA determine my payment amount?
Payments are based on course load and type of training program.
