Chapter 35 VA Benefits, officially known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program, is a federal education support program run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This benefit is designed for dependents of veterans who have either died or become permanently and totally disabled due to their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
It helps children and spouses of eligible veterans by covering educational and training costs so they can build better careers without financial stress.
Who Can Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025?
To receive Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025, you must fall into one of the following categories:
- Child or stepchild of a veteran who:
- Died in the line of duty, OR
- Is permanently and totally disabled due to service-related causes.
- Spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran who:
- Is permanently disabled from service-related causes, OR
- Died during active duty or due to a service-connected disability.
What Are the Chapter 35 Benefits in 2025?
The monthly payment rates under Chapter 35 VA Benefits have increased slightly in 2025 to help cover rising education and living costs in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of the current monthly rates as of 2025:
| Type of Program | Monthly Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Full-time training | $1,488 |
| Three-quarter-time training | $1,176 |
| Half-time training | $862 |
| Less than half-time but more than quarter | Tuition & fees up to $745 |
| Quarter-time or less | Less than half-time but more than a quarter |
Duration of Benefits
The length of time you can receive benefits depends on your relationship to the veteran:
- Spouses generally have 10 years from the date of eligibility to use the benefits.
- Surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty have 20 years to use the benefits.
- Children usually have between their 18th and 26th birthdays to use their educational assistance.
What Courses Are Covered?
Chapter 35 benefits can be used for a wide range of education options, including:
- College degree programs (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, etc.)
- Career training and certificate programs
- Apprenticeships or on-the-job training
- Correspondence courses
- Online and distance learning programs
- Some remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses (if needed for your educational goal)
How to Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits in 2025?
You can apply in two main ways:
1. Online Application
Go to the VA’s official website and fill out VA Form 22-5490. This is the fastest method.
2. By Mail
Download and fill out VA Form 22-5490 and mail it to your regional VA processing office. You can find the correct mailing address here.
Documents Needed
To apply, you’ll need:
- Proof of relationship to the veteran (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Veteran’s service and disability details (VA claim number or Social Security number)
- School or training program information
- Bank account details (for direct deposit)
Can Chapter 35 Be Combined with Other Benefits?
In many cases, Chapter 35 benefits can’t be combined with other federal educational programs, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
However, some states offer additional financial aid or tuition waivers for dependents of veterans. Make sure to check local or state benefits that might work alongside Chapter 35.
Why Chapter 35 Matters in 2025?
With rising college costs in 2025 and increased awareness around veteran support, Chapter 35 VA Benefits remain one of the most helpful tools for families of service members. This year, the government has continued to adjust rates to keep up with inflation, making it a reliable source of educational assistance.
Whether you want to become a teacher, electrician, web developer, or healthcare worker, this benefit can open doors without burying you in debt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a dependent of a veteran or a spouse of someone who gave everything for their country, you deserve every chance to succeed. The Chapter 35 VA Benefits program in 2025 is your opportunity to pursue higher education and stable employment, without worrying about the costs.
Don’t miss out on these life-changing benefits. Apply early and make sure your documents are ready. Every year, thousands of students receive support under this program, and 2025 is no different.