By Ruth Eltrich (Administrator, Jackson County Veterans Affairs)
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits for the dependents of eligible veterans including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Survivors Pensions, ChampVA Healthcare, Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance, and more. With the school year in full swing, it seems appropriate to provide a brief overview of one of the educational benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) is a benefit that helps eligible spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans pursue their educational goals. It offers financial assistance for a wide range of programs, from college degrees to vocational training and apprenticeships. The information in this article is taken from va.gov and provides a brief synopsis of the Chapter 35 DEA benefit.
Chapter 35 DEA benefits provide a monthly stipend to an eligible veterans’ dependents. This benefit is different than many other benefits as it is not paid directly to the veteran, but it is paid to the eligible dependent. These funds can be used for a variety of educational and training paths. Some examples of covered programs include traditional college or university classes, trade and vocational schools, and apprenticeships. In general, the program offers up to 45 months of benefits. The current monthly stipend for full-time enrollment, 12 credits or more, at a college or university is $1,536.00 per month. The monthly stipend amount varies depending on the number of credits the dependent is taking and the type of training being pursued.
To qualify for Chapter 35 DEA benefits, the veteran must be rated 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability(s) or the veteran passed away due to a service-connected disability. A veteran can verify their eligibility status by reviewing their VA rating decision letter or contacting the Jackson County Veterans Affairs Office. Eligible dependents include a spouse, or a child over the age of 18 who is currently attending or planning to attend school. In most cases, the child of a veteran must use the benefit between the ages of 18 and 26.
Dependents who became eligible on or after August 1, 2023, do not have a time limit on using their DEA benefits. However, those who qualified before August 1, 2023, typically have 10 years from their eligibility date to use the benefit. Exceptions may apply, depending on individual circumstances. Eligibility dates are based on when the VA formally rated the veteran as permanently and totally disabled.
To apply for Chapter 35 DEA benefits the eligible dependent needs to fill out the Dependents Application for VA Education Benefits. This form can be found online at www.va.gov or can be completed in the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office. If the dependent qualifies for the program they will be sent a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more details regarding eligibility and the Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits or contact the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office at 563-652-0070. Our services are offered free of charge to veterans and their eligible dependents.
