Benefits for Dependents of Veterans

The VA Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA or Chapter 35) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Children may use the benefit while between the ages of 18 and 26.

Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits for:

• College, business, technical or vocational courses, high school diploma or GED, independent study or distance learning courses
• Correspondence courses (spouses only), apprenticeship/on-the-job training
• Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training (in some cases)
• Cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job

For more information, please visit the Chapter 35 website. Contact the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) with any questions.