Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

The DEA program provides education & training opportunities for eligible spouses and dependent children of Veterans or service members who:

Are permanently & totally disabled due to a service-connected disability,
Died in service or from service-connected causes,
Are missing in action or captured by hostile forces >90 days, or
Are hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a P&T disability and likely to be discharged for that disability.

Am I Eligible?

As a Child

Under age 18 (or under 23 if full‑time student),
You cannot use this benefit while on active duty, or after dishonorable discharge,
If receiving DIC, you must waive DIC while using DEA.
You joined the military. In this case, you can use your DEA benefits up to 8 years from your discharge date as long as you’re under 31 years old.

As a Spouse

May receive both DIC & DEA concurrently,
Divorce terminates eligibility; remarriage before age 57 terminates unless marriage ≥Jan 1 2004 at ≥57 or ends by death/divorce.

Time Limits

Eligible Before August 1, 2023

Children: Use within 8 years of eligibility or by age 26 (extensions if join military ≤31),
Spouses: Benefits end 10 years after eligibility (20 years for active‑duty deaths or early P&T disabilities).

Eligible On/After August 1, 2023

No time limits for either children or spouses.

What Benefits Can I Get?

Monthly payments to cover tuition & living expenses,
Undergraduate & graduate degrees, vocational certificates, apprenticeships, OJT, & more,
Tutorial assistance, national test fees, licensing & certification, entrepreneurship training, work‑study, co‑op, correspondence & distance learning.

How The VA Determines Rates

Your monthly payment is based on:

Type of program (college vs vocational vs OJT/apprenticeship),
Your enrollment level (full‑time, ¾, ½, etc.) or training progress.

2024–2025 Payment Rates

        Institutions of Higher Learning:

        • Full‑time: $1,536.00/mo

        • ¾‑time: $1,214.00/mo

        • ½‑time: $890.00/mo

        • <¼‑time: $384.00/mo (or cost of tuition & fees)

        Non‑College Degree Programs:

        (Same rates as above)

        OJT & Apprenticeships:

        • Months 1–6: $975.00/mo

        • 7–12: $733.00/mo

        • 13–18: $481.00/mo

        • 19+: $245.00/mo

        Correspondence Training: 55% of lesson cost (spouses only)

        Special Restorative Training: $1,536.00/mo (accelerated charges cover tuition >$405)

        Licensing & Certification Fees: Up to $2,000 (1 month entitlement per $1,536 fee)

        National Test Fees: Unlimited reimbursement (1 month entitlement per $1,536 paid)

Which Schools?

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find approved programs, or contact your school’s Certifying Official.

How to Get Paid

College programs: payment direct, no monthly verification required,
Non-college & OJT: payment direct, no less than 120 hours/mo,
Correspondence: submit completed lessons monthly.

How to Apply

Apply online via VA.gov,
Mail VA Form 22‑5490 to your Regional Processing Office (see addresses),
Get help from an accredited VSO or VA regional office.

Need Help?

Call 888‑442‑4551 (TTY: 711) M–F 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET or use Ask VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I switch programs mid‑term?

You’ll receive prorated payments based on your new enrollment level or training progress for the remainder of that term.

Can I combine DEA & Fry Scholarship?

Children whose parent died before Aug 1 2011 may receive both—but only one at a time, capped at 81 months combined.

Do I lose payment if I go inactive for a month?

No—unused entitlement remains. You’ll resume payments when you reenroll or return to training.

Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)