If you’re a veteran or part of a veteran’s family, you’ve probably heard about Chapter 35 VA Benefits. In 2025, this program—formally known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)—has seen some major updates. This article breaks it all down in simple, plain-spoken English so you can get the help you’ve earned without getting lost in government-speak.
Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) |
| Who Qualifies | Spouses and children of veterans who are permanently disabled, missing, or died due to service-connected reasons |
| Monthly Full-Time Rate | $1,536 (as of Oct 1, 2024) |
| Application Form | VA Form 22-5490 |
| How Long You Have | Spouses: up to 10 years (or no limit in some cases); Children: usually until age 26 |
| Website for Updates | VA DEA Official Site |
Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025 are a game-changer for families who’ve given so much to our country. Whether you’re hitting the books, picking up a trade, or finding your next career move, this program has your back. Stay informed, talk to your local VSO, and check va.gov often for updates. And remember: you earned this.
What Are Chapter 35 VA Benefits, Really?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—navigating VA benefits can be like trying to read a map upside-down in the dark. But Chapter 35 is worth understanding.
This benefit is designed to help children and spouses of veterans who’ve sacrificed a lot—whether they’re 100% disabled, missing in action, or passed away due to service-connected issues. It helps with:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Career training and certifications
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
And in 2025, it’s been made even more flexible and generous.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025?
Children
You may be eligible if:
- You’re between 18–26 years old.
- Your parent is permanently and totally disabled from a service-related condition.
- Your parent died in the line of duty or due to a service-related issue.
Heads-up: If your eligibility started after August 1, 2023, there’s no age limit anymore! But you still gotta use it within 8 years of becoming eligible.
Spouses
You qualify if:
- You’re married to a qualifying veteran.
- You haven’t remarried before age 57 (in most cases).
- The qualifying event (disability or death) occurred recently enough.
If the event happened on or after August 1, 2023, there’s no time limit to use your benefit.
How Much Money Can You Get in 2025?
These new rates kicked in October 1, 2024 and will run through September 30, 2025:
Traditional School Programs (Monthly Payments)
- Full-Time (FT): $1,536/month
- Three-Quarter Time (3/4): $1,214/month
- Half-Time (1/2): $890/month
- Quarter-Time (1/4 or less): $384/month (or the cost of tuition if lower)
On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeships
- Months 1–6: $975/month
- Months 7–12: $733/month
- Months 13–18: $481/month
- Month 19+: $245/month
Note: These payments go directly to YOU, not the school. That gives you freedom and flexibility.
How to Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Use VA.gov or talk to a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). They’re like tour guides for VA benefits.
Step 2 – Fill Out VA Form 22-5490
You can do it:
- Online through the VA Education Portal
- Or by mail (download from the site and mail it in)
Step 3 – Choose a School or Program
Make sure it’s VA-approved. Most community colleges, trade schools, and universities are.
Step 4 – Submit Your Enrollment Certificate
Once accepted, your school will submit VA Form 22-1999 to certify your enrollment. Then you’re off to the races.
What’s New in 2025?
Monthly Enrollment Verification
Starting May 2025, new students must verify enrollment every month. You can do this via:
- Text message
- Online at Ask VA
This helps prevent fraud and keeps your benefits rolling without delays.
No Time Limit for Some Spouses
If your qualifying event happened on or after August 1, 2023, you can take your time. That’s huge, especially for folks going back to school later in life.
Real-Life Example – Meet Sarah and TJ
Sarah, a 38-year-old spouse of Army veteran TJ, used her Chapter 35 benefits to complete a nursing program in Texas. With $1,536/month in benefits, she could pay her tuition and cover rent for her and her two kids. She now works full-time at a VA clinic and says it was “life-changing.”
Meanwhile, TJ’s 20-year-old son from a previous marriage is using his DEA benefits for an apprenticeship in HVAC repair, earning money and learning a trade. Chapter 35 helped the whole family level up.
FAQs
Can I use FAFSA with Chapter 35?
Yes! Chapter 35 doesn’t count against federal financial aid. Stack it if you can.
Can I get both Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) and Chapter 35?
Not at the same time. But if you qualify for both, you can choose the one that fits best.
Is homeschooling or online school covered?
Yes, if it’s an accredited and VA-approved program.
What if I fail a class?
You still get paid—once. But if you drop or fail repeatedly, it may impact your future benefits.
