Lana Oconnell
Chapter 35 of the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program provides financial aid to eligible spouses and children of deceased, missing, captured, or disabled veterans. The DEA program offers monthly stipends to students, which are paid directly to their bank accounts. The amount received is based on factors such as the type of education or training and the number of courses being taken. Students can also receive exemptions from non-resident supplemental tuition charges and may be eligible for additional benefits, such as housing, books, and supply allowances. The DEA program provides assistance for up to 36 months, and the application process involves submitting relevant forms and ensuring course enrollment is certified.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for Chapter 35 DEA? | Spouses and children of deceased, missing, captured, or disabled veterans (with 100% total disability) |
| When to apply for Chapter 35 DEA | Before August 1, 2023, to avoid giving up Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits |
| Age limit | Generally, up to 8 years to use benefits before turning 26 years old |
| Time limit | Up to 36 months of assistance |
| Payment amount | Based on the type of education or training and the number of courses; maximum of $1488 for a full course load |
| Payment frequency | Monthly stipend paid directly to the student's bank account |
| Proration | Applicable for partial months of attendance |
| Additional benefits | Exemption from non-resident supplemental tuition charge (NRST or out-of-state tuition) for the first quarter; eligibility for Fry Scholarship for tuition, housing, books, and supplies |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Monthly stipend
The Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance DEA Program provides a monthly stipend to eligible spouses and children of certain deceased, missing, captured, or disabled veterans (with 100% total disability). The DEA program is designed to help cover the cost of school or training for a job. The monthly stipend is paid directly from the VA to the student's bank account each month during the quarter.
The monthly stipend amount depends on the type of education or training and the number of courses being taken. For example, if a student is enrolled in less than half-time, the monthly stipend is up to $890 per month, while full-time students can receive up to $1488 per month. The DEA program also covers special restorative training, in which case the monthly stipend is $1536. Additionally, the DEA may cover tuition costs and fees over $405 per month for eligible students.
It's important to note that partial months of attendance result in prorated payments. For instance, if a quarter starts on September 25, the payment for October will be prorated to account for the 5 days of attendance in September. Similarly, months with fewer days, such as August and December, are prorated for the fall semester.
To receive the monthly stipend, students must ensure their enrollment is certified each quarter. They need to submit a "revised" VA-eForm for any schedule changes and an initial VA Enrollment Verification eForm for each quarter they plan to use their benefits. The funds from the DEA program can be used at the beneficiary's discretion, including for books, tuition, or other expenses.
Student Loan Strategies: One-Time Payment Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Payment Systems and Other Financial Transactions: Cases, Materials, and Problems [Connected eBook with Study Center] (Aspen Casebook)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61EW179o-XL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Eligibility requirements
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, also known as Chapter 35, provides educational and job training support to spouses and children of disabled, captured, or deceased service members. To be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits, specific eligibility requirements must be met by both the dependent and the veteran or service member.
- The veteran or service member must be permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
- The veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- The service member is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days.
- The service member is forcibly detained by a foreign entity for more than 90 days while in the line of duty.
- The service member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability.
- The dependent must be at least 18 years old.
- Generally, the dependent has up to 8 years to use their benefits before turning 26 years old. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if the dependent became eligible for DEA when they were between 18 and 26 years old, or if their parent died within this age range.
- If the dependent is receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), they must give up these payments when using DEA benefits.
- If the dependent joins the military, they cannot use DEA benefits while on active duty.
- If the dependent wants to use DEA benefits after leaving the service, they cannot have a dishonorable discharge.
- If the veteran dies and the dependent remarries, they will no longer be eligible for DEA benefits, with certain exceptions.
- The dependent's courses must be certified by their academic advisor as counting toward their current degree goal.
- The dependent must be enrolled in a minimum number of courses to be considered full-time, which varies by institution.
Paying Off Federal Student Loans: Lump Sum Freedom
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Payment rates
The payment rates for the Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program are based on two factors: the type of education or training being received, and the number of courses being taken or the progress in an on-the-job training or apprenticeship program. Payments are made directly to the beneficiary and can be used for any purpose, including books, tuition, or otherwise.
Monthly payments are made on the first day of the month following the month of attendance. For instance, for a fall quarter starting on September 25, the October payment will be prorated to reflect 5 days of attendance. Partial months of attendance, such as August and December in the fall semester, are prorated. The DEA rates listed on the VA website are for October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
The payment rates vary depending on the number of courses taken and the number of clock hours per week. If enrolled full-time, the monthly stipend is $1488. If enrolled less than half-time but more than a quarter-time, the monthly payment is $890. If enrolled a quarter-time or less, the monthly payment is $384. If enrolled in fewer courses than considered full-time, the payment will be less than the full rate.
For those attending special restorative training full-time, the monthly payment is $1536. If eligible for accelerated charges, Chapter 35 will pay for any tuition costs and fees over $405 per month. One day of entitlement may be reduced for every monthly payment of $51.20. For test fees, up to $2000 will be covered for qualifying licensing and certification test fees.
In addition to the DEA program, eligible spouses and children may also be eligible for the Fry Scholarship to cover tuition, housing, books, and supplies.
Avoid Late Fees: Stay Ahead on Student Loan Repayments
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Duration of benefits
The Chapter 35 DEA program provides up to 36 months of assistance to eligible spouses and children of certain deceased, missing, captured, or disabled veterans (with 100% total disability). If your school or training started before August 1, 2018, you may be eligible for benefits for up to 45 months. Generally, you have up to 8 years to use your benefits before you turn 26 years old. However, in some cases, you may still be able to use DEA benefits after you turn 26 if you became eligible for DEA when you were between 18 and 26 years old, or if your parent died when you were within that age range.
The monthly stipend is paid directly to the student bank account each month during the quarter. The funds can be used at the beneficiary's discretion, including for books, tuition, and other expenses. The monthly rate is based on two factors: the type of education or training and the number of courses or progress in an apprenticeship program. If you are enrolled less than half-time, you will receive up to $890.00 for each full month or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever amount is less. For a 1/4-time enrollment or less, the monthly rate is $384.00 or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less. If you are attending special restorative training full-time, the monthly rate is $1,536.00.
Partial months of attendance result in prorated payments. For example, if a quarter starts on September 25, the payment for October will be prorated to reflect 5 days of attendance. Additionally, if you are enrolled in fewer courses than what is considered full-time, or your clock hours per week are less than full-time, you may receive less than the full rate each month.
Students: Focus in Class with These Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Assault on VA 33 [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/713u3Ye2jtS._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Additional expenses
The Chapter 35 DEA benefit is a monthly stipend paid directly from the VA to a student's bank account each month during the quarter. The funds may be used however the beneficiary sees fit, including books, tuition, and other expenses. The DEA benefit can also be used for summer sessions for matriculated students.
If you're enrolled less than half-time, the VA will pay up to a certain amount for every month you're enrolled, but no more than the cost of your tuition and fees. For example, if you're enrolled less than half-time but more than a quarter-time, you may get up to $2,670 for a 90-day term. However, if your tuition and fees are less than this amount, the VA will send you the cost of your tuition and fees at the start of the term.
The DEA benefit can also help cover the cost of housing, books, and supplies while you're in school or training for a job. Additionally, the VA will pay up to $2,000 for qualifying licensing and certification test fees.
It's important to note that the DEA benefit does not cover all expenses. For example, it does not pay for BAH (housing allowance) and does not make payments directly to the school. However, some states offer tuition waivers or scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans, so it's worth checking what your state offers.
Furthermore, if you're receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you'll need to give up those payments when you start using DEA benefits. There is also an 8-year time limit to use DEA benefits before turning 26 years old, with some exceptions.
Should You Pay Off Student Loans While in School?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Chapter 35 is the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. It provides up to 36 months of assistance to eligible spouses and children of certain deceased, missing, captured, or disabled veterans (with 100% total disability).
Chapter 35 DEA provides a monthly stipend of up to $1488 for full-time students. The payment is made directly to the student bank account and can be used for any expenses, including tuition, books, and housing.
Chapter 35 payments are made monthly, on the first day of each month following the month of attendance. For example, the payment for August will be received on/around September 1st.
You can apply for Chapter 35 DEA benefits online at the VA's website. Generally, you have up to 8 years to use your benefits before you turn 26 years old.
