The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35, provides education and training opportunities to dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled with a VA rating of 100% due to a service-related condition, or who died while on Active Duty or as a result of a service- related condition.
Most dependents can receive a maximum of 36 months of education benefits. If you first accessed the benefits prior to August 1, 2018, then you may be eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits, which may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. In addition, spouses may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
Monthly rates/payments vary depending on the type of institution attended and degree or certificate program being pursued. Individual rate information for each category is itemized by the VA on the link below. Please remember that everyone's situation is different, and it is best to check with the VA before making plans to rely on this benefit.
Current DEA rates for October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024.
Payments are made directly to you in the account provided. The amounts listed are for a full month of enrollment. You are paid a percentage of the full month’s rate based on the number of days that you’re enrolled in the month. This is called a prorated payment.