As a veteran, did you know numerous financial aid and assistance or benefits are available to you and your family members? One available benefit is Chapter 35 of the Veterans Benefits, Education and Training (VBE&T) Act of 2002, also known as the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program. Chapter 35 provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents and survivors of Veterans who have died or become disabled while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.

Who is eligible for Chapter 35 benefits?

To qualify for Chapter 35 benefits, you must be any of the following or the dependent, meaning son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran or service member:

A veteran who died or is permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.
A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
A service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
A service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
A service member hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a VA-determined service-connected permanent and total disability may be eligible for DEA benefits.

What do Chapter 35 benefits include?

Chapter 35 benefits can be used to pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and other educational expenses at colleges, universities, vocational schools, and apprenticeship programs. The benefits you receive depend on your enrollment status and the type of training you are pursuing.

Tuition and fees: Chapter 35 beneficiaries can receive up to the full cost of attendance (COA) for tuition and fees at colleges, universities, vocational schools, and apprenticeship programs. The COA includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other expenses.
Monthly stipend: Chapter 35 beneficiaries also receive a monthly stipend to help with living expenses. The stipend amount depends on your enrollment status and the type of training you are pursuing.
On-the-job training and apprenticeships: Chapter 35 beneficiaries can receive on-the-job training and apprenticeship benefits. The monthly stipend for on-the-job training and apprenticeships is less than the stipend for full-time students, but it can still be a valuable source of income.
Special restorative training: Special restorative training is designed to help children overcome disabilities or other challenges that may be preventing them from pursuing their education or training goals.

In addition to these benefits, Chapter 35 beneficiaries also have access to other VA benefits, such as counseling, financial counseling, and job placement assistance.

Here are some specific examples of what Chapter 35 benefits can be used for:

Tuition and fees at a college or university
Books and supplies
Paying for housing
Paying for transportation
Paying for childcare
Business, technical, or vocational courses
High school diploma or GED
SAT, LSAT, GMAT, or other national exams

If you need help understanding your benefits or have questions, please get in touch with The VA Claims Lawyer. We are experienced in veterans' benefits, and our nationwide practice is here to help you. We will review your case for free and help you get the monthly compensation you deserve. Feel free to call us at 877 VET FILE.

What is the current stipend amount for Chapter 35?

The amount VA pays monthly and the amount is based on the type of training program and training time. Here is the current monthly stipend amount.

Full-time students: Receive a monthly stipend of up to $1,401 plus tuition and fees up to the full cost of attendance (COA).
Three-quarter-time students: Receive a monthly stipend of up to $1,107 plus tuition and fees up to 75% of the COA.
Half-time students: Receive a monthly stipend of up to $812 plus tuition and fees up to 50% of the COA.
Less than half-time students: Receive a monthly stipend of up to $350.25 plus tuition and fees up to the lesser cost of tuition and fees at the school you attend or 25% of the COA.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships

Chapter 35 beneficiaries also receive a monthly stipend for on-the-job training and apprenticeships. Also, the amount of the stipend depends on how far along you are in your training:

Months 1 to 6: $890 per month
Months 7 to 12: $669 per month
Months 13 to 18: $439 per month
More than 19 months: $223 per month

*Note all above amounts are based on 2023-2024 rates.

What is the cap for Chapter 35 benefits?

The total amount of Chapter 35 benefits you can receive is capped at $399,000. This cap applies to all types of training, including college, university, vocational school, and apprenticeship programs.

How long can you receive Chapter 35 benefits?

First, you must meet the requirements for Chapter 35 and be between 18 and 26 years old. The monthly stipend is available if the eligible individual is enrolled in an academic or apprenticeship program and meets the requirements or up to a maximum of 36 months — whichever comes first.

Spouses and surviving spouses have ten years from when the VA establishes eligibility to use the benefit. Surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty have 20 years from the date of the veteran's death to use Chapter 35 benefits.

The counting of years starts when the VA office accepts their eligibility into the program or the death of their veteran spouse.

How do you apply for Chapter 35 benefits?

First, you must ensure the school or certificate programs are approved for VA education benefits. Next, you must apply for Chapter 35 benefits online or by mail using the form VA Form 22-5490. You must also provide documentation to support your eligibility. If you need help applying or have additional questions about Chapter 35 benefits, contact an experienced VA attorney.

How Chapter 35 benefits can help your future career goals

Chapter 35 benefits can be a valuable resource for eligible dependents and survivors of Veterans. These benefits can help you pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and other educational expenses as you pursue your education or training goals.

At The VA Claims Lawyer, we're not just your legal representative. We're your advocate. We've successfully assisted countless veterans in getting the VA benefits they deserve. We can also help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. If we don't win your case, there is no fee. Contact us today at (877) VET-FILE for your free case evaluation.

Understanding Chapter 35 Benefits