Are You Missing Out on $1,500 a Month? Chapter 35 VA Benefits Could Be Yours!

By Ronak Sharma On May 6, 2025 Share with new partner:

If you’re the child or spouse of a veteran who’s permanently disabled or passed away due to their service, the VA offers something called Chapter 35 benefits (also known as the DEA program). These benefits can help cover the cost of college, career training, or even hands-on job learning programs. And yes, they can really make a difference.

Let’s break down what’s available in 2025—how much money you can get, who’s eligible, when payments happen, and how to apply.

What Are the 2025 Payment Rates?

Here’s a clear look at how much financial support you might receive each month, depending on what kind of program you’re in and how many classes you’re taking:

College or University (Traditional Classes)

Full-time: $1,536 per month
3/4-time: $1,214 per month
Half-time: $890 per month
Less than 1/2 but more than 1/4 time: Up to $890 or your actual tuition/fees, whichever is less
1/4-time or less: Up to $384 or your actual tuition/fees, whichever is less

Trade Schools or Non-College Programs

The monthly rates are the same as for college programs, depending on your course load.

On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeships

First 6 months: $945 per month
Next 6 months: $710 per month
Months 13-18: $466 per month
After 18 months: $237 per month

These amounts are valid from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.

Who’s Eligible for Chapter 35 Benefits?

To qualify, you need to be the child or spouse of a veteran who meets one of these conditions:

Has a permanent and total service-connected disability
Passed away because of a service-connected condition
Died while on active duty
Has been missing in action for 90 days or more
Has been captured or forcibly held in the line of duty for 90 days or more

Here are a few more details to keep in mind:

Children can use the benefits between the ages of 18 and 26. Getting married won’t affect eligibility.
Spouses usually have 10 years from the date they become eligible to use the benefits.
If you’re the surviving spouse of someone who died on active duty, you may have up to 20 years to use your benefits.

Payment Schedule for 2025

The VA pays benefits at the beginning of each month for the training you completed the month before. So, if you’re in classes during January, you’ll receive that payment in early February.

Here’s what the 2025 payment schedule looks like:

January benefits: paid January 31
February benefits: paid February 28
March benefits: paid April 1
April benefits: paid April 30
May benefits: paid May 30
June benefits: paid July 1
July benefits: paid July 31
August benefits: paid September 2
September benefits: paid October 1
October benefits: paid October 31
November benefits: paid December 1
December benefits: paid December 31

If a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the money usually arrives the business day before.

How to Apply (It’s Easier Than You Think)

There are three main ways to apply for Chapter 35 benefits:

Online: Visit the VA website and fill out the application.
By Mail: Complete VA Form 22-5490 and send it to your local VA regional office.
In Person: You can go to a VA office near you and get help from someone in person.

Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Bring or send that to your school’s VA certifying official to make sure your enrollment gets verified.

Chapter 35 benefits are here to support military families who are planning their education and career future. Whether your path includes college, job training, or an apprenticeship, this program can help ease the financial stress that often comes with learning and career growth.