The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35. This program helps cover the costs of education, career training, and more.
As we move into 2025, it’s essential to understand how much your education benefits could increase under this program.
Chapter 35: What’s changing in 2025?
Chapter 35 offers a variety of educational benefits, including monthly payments to help cover tuition costs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship programs.
These benefits are designed to reduce the financial burden of pursuing a college degree, vocational certification, or job training.
You can also use the benefits for licensing tests, national exams like the SAT, or preparatory courses.
Depending on when your schooling or training began, you could receive benefits for up to 36 to 45 months, making the program a significant resource for long-term education planning.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the VA has adjusted its monthly payment rates for those enrolled in various educational programs.
These rates are based on how many courses you’re taking and your level of enrollment, with different rates for full-time, 3/4-time, and half-time enrollment.
The new rates, effective October 1, 2024, are as follows:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214.00 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890.00 per month
- Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time: Up to $890.00 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time or less: Up to $384.00 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
For non-college degree programs such as vocational training or trade school, these same rates apply, with payments prorated based on your enrollment dates.
On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships
For those participating in on-the-job training or apprenticeships, the monthly payment rates differ based on how long you’ve been in the program:
- Months 1 to 6: $975.00 per month
- Months 7 to 12: $733.00 per month
- Months 13 to 18: $481.00 per month
- More than 19 months: $245.00 per month
These payments decrease as you advance in your training, reflecting your increasing expertise in the field.
Correspondence and Special Restorative Training
If you’re pursuing correspondence training or special restorative training, the VA will cover a portion of your expenses.
Spouses can receive 55% of the cost of completed correspondence lessons, while children enrolled in special restorative training can receive up to $1,536.00 per month.
If you have any questions about how much you can receive, contact the VA directly or visit their website for more information on your specific situation.
