The Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides essential financial support to the spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or have passed away due to service-related conditions.
This support helps cover the costs of education and training, ensuring beneficiaries can pursue their academic and career goals.
To determine your next payment date, start by visiting the WAVE Certification Transactions page. Here, you can find your "Transaction Date."
The VA schedules payments based on the first business day after this date.
By identifying this next business day, you can project when your payment will arrive, allowing you to plan your expenses accordingly.
How much Is the Chapter 35 monthly payment?
The amount you receive each month through Chapter 35 benefits depends on several factors, including the type of education or training you are enrolled in and the number of courses you are taking.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly rates for the 2023-2024 academic year, effective from October 1, 2023:
For institutions of higher learning (Colleges and universities):
- Full-time enrollment: $1,488 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,176 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $862 per month
- Less than 1/2-time but more than 1/4-time enrollment: $862 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time enrollment or less: $372 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
If your enrollment starts partway through a month, you will receive a prorated payment based on the number of days you were enrolled.
For example, if classes begin on the 20th, your payment for that month would be approximately one-third of the full rate.
For non-college degree programs (Trade and vocational schools):
- Full-time enrollment: $1,488 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,176 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $862 per month
- Less than 1/2-time but more than 1/4-time enrollment: $862 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time enrollment or less: $372 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
For on-the-job training and apprenticeships:
- Months 1 to 6: $945 per month
- Months 7 to 12: $710 per month
- Months 13 to 18: $466 per month
- More than 19 months: $237 per month
To receive the full amount for on-the-job training or apprenticeships, you must work at least 120 hours each month.
As your payments decrease over time, your entitlement charges will also reduce.
For correspondence training:
Spouses using Chapter 35 benefits can receive 55% of the established cost for the lessons they complete, whether by mail, online, or another method.
Payments are based on the submission of completed lessons.
For special restorative training:
Children eligible for special restorative training can receive $1,488 each month for full-time attendance.
If accelerated charges apply, the VA will cover tuition costs and fees exceeding $392 per month, with a possible reduction of one day of entitlement for every monthly payment of $49.60.
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