Chapter 35 VA Benefits—also known as Dependent Education Assistance (DEA)—play a crucial role in helping the children and spouses of veterans pursue their education without financial burden. Designed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this program offers monthly payments to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-related condition or who have died during active duty or as a result of service-connected conditions.
With May 2025 underway, students enrolled in qualifying programs should expect another round of support through this vital benefit.
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What Are Chapter 35 VA Benefits?
Chapter 35 is a federal education assistance program specifically for dependents of veterans. It provides monthly stipends that help cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs. The main goal is to reduce the financial stress of dependents so they can pursue academic or vocational training.
These benefits are available to:
- Children aged 18–26 of veterans with a service-connected disability or death
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty
- Spouses of veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability
Chapter 35 VA Payment Schedule: May 2025
For May 2025, Chapter 35 payments are scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 1st, since VA benefits are typically issued on the first business day of each month. Payments are made via direct deposit into students’ registered bank accounts.
Payment Overview for May 2025
| Department | Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Dependent Education Assistance (DEA) |
| Payment Amount | $384 to $1,536 monthly |
| Payment Date | May 1, 2025 |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Deposit |
| Official Website | va.gov |
Factors That May Delay Payment
Although most students receive their funds on time, delays can happen. Common causes include:
- Late enrollment certification by schools
- Changes to your program (e.g., switching majors or reducing course load)
- Incorrect or outdated personal information
- School holidays or administrative delays in submission
If you haven’t received your funds by mid-May, the VA allows up to 14 business days for processing after your enrollment is certified. Use the eBenefits portal or call the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 for updates.
What Programs Are Eligible?
Chapter 35 VA Benefits support more than just traditional college degrees. Eligible training programs include:
| Program Type | Payment Structure |
|---|---|
| College/University | Fixed monthly payments |
| Apprenticeship/On-the-Job | Payments that decrease as experience grows |
| Non-College Degree Programs | Lump-sum at training start |
Note: Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 35 does not provide a monthly housing allowance (MHA).
Additional Tips for Students
- Check bank accounts regularly around the first of the month
- Ensure your enrollment certification is submitted promptly
- Monitor communication from your school’s veterans office
- Update your information with the VA if anything changes
The DEA benefit can last for up to 36 months of full-time education. If you’re nearing the end of your eligibility period or considering a new program, speak with a VA representative to explore your options.
The DEA rates listed here are for October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. We’ll make the payments directly to you.
For institutions of higher learning
These monthly rates are for courses at colleges and universities.
The amounts listed here are for a full month of enrollment. We’ll pay you a percentage of the full month’s rate based on the number of days that you’re enrolled in the month. We call this a prorated payment. For example, if your school starts on the 20th, you would get a payment for 10 days of enrollment that month. Your payment would be 1/3 of the monthly rate.
We’ll pay you up to the rate listed here based on how many courses you’re taking:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 for each full month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214.00 for each full month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890.00 for each full month
If you’re enrolled less than 1/2 time, we’ll pay you up to the amount listed here for every month you’re enrolled—but no more than the cost of your tuition and fees:
- Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time enrollment: $890.00 for each full month (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time enrollment or less: $384.00 for each full month (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less)
If your tuition and fees are less than the monthly rate, we’ll send you a lump sum (one payment) at the start of each term.
Example: If you’re enrolled less than 1/2 time and more than 1/4 time, and you attend a 90-day term, you may get up to $2,670.00 for the term ($890.00 per month x 3). But if your tuition and fees are less than $2,670.00, then we’ll send you the amount of your tuition and fees at the start of the term instead.
Learn more about getting an undergraduate or graduate degree
For non-college degree programs
These monthly rates are for trade and vocational schools.
The amounts listed here are for a full month of enrollment. We’ll pay you a percentage of the full month’s rate based on the number of days that you’re enrolled in the month. We call this a prorated payment. For example, if your school starts on the 20th, you would get a payment for 10 days of enrollment that month. Your payment would be 1/3 of the monthly rate.
We’ll pay you up to the monthly rate listed here based on your scheduled clock hours:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 for each full month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214.00 for each full month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890.00 for each full month
If you’re enrolled less than 1/2 time, we’ll pay you up to the amount listed here for every month you’re enrolled—but no more than the cost of your tuition and fees:
- Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time enrollment: $890.00 for each full month (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time enrollment or less: $384.00 for each full month (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less)
If your tuition and fees are less than the monthly rate, we’ll send you a lump sum (one payment) at the start of each term.
Example: If you’re enrolled less than 1/2 time and more than 1/4 time, and you attend a 90-day program, you may get up to $2,670.00 ($890.00 per month x 3). But if your tuition and fees are less than $2,670.00, then we’ll send you the amount of your tuition and fees at the start of the program instead.
Learn more about non-college degree programs
For on-the-job training and apprenticeships
We’ll pay you up to this much each month based on how far along you are in your training:
- Months 1 to 6: $975.00 for each full month
- Months 7 to 12: $733.00 for each full month
- Months 13 to 18: $481.00 for each full month
- More than 19 months: $245.00 for each full month
Note: To get the full amount listed here, you must have worked at least 120 hours each month. As your payments go down, your entitlement charges also go down.
Learn more about on-the-job training and apprenticeships
For correspondence training
We’ll pay 55% of the established cost for the number of lessons you complete by mail, online, or in some other way. You’ll need to submit completed lessons to get these payments.
Note: Only spouses using Chapter 35 benefits can get correspondence training. Children aren’t eligible for this benefit.
Learn more about correspondence training
For special restorative training
If you’re attending special restorative training full time, we’ll pay you $1,536.00 each month.
If you’re eligible for accelerated charges, we’ll pay for any tuition costs and fees over $405.00 each month.
We may reduce 1 day of your entitlement for every monthly payment of $51.20. This is 1/30 of the full-time rate.
For licensing and certification test fees and prep courses
For test fees: We’ll pay up to $2,000 for qualifying licensing and certification test fees. We’ll charge your entitlement at the rate of 1 month for every $1,536.00 in fees we pay for licensing and certification tests.
For prep courses: We’ll charge your entitlement at the rate of 1 month for every $1,536.00 in fees we pay for prep courses that help you get ready for a licensing or certification test.
Learn more about licensing and certification tests and prep courses
For national test fees
There’s no limit on how much we’ll reimburse you for national test fees. We’ll charge your entitlement at the rate of 1 month for every $1,536.00 in fees we pay for national tests.
Learn more about national tests and prep courses
How to contact us if you have questions
If you have questions about your rates, you can call us at 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
You can also ask us a question online through Ask VA.
Past rates
2023-2024 rates (effective October 1, 2023)
2022-2023 rates (effective October 1, 2022)
2021-2022 rates (effective October 1, 2021)
FAQs:
Who is eligible for Chapter 35 VA Benefits?
Spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service or who have died from service-related causes.
When are payments made?
Typically on the first business day of each month, including for May 2025.
Can I receive benefits if I’m in job training or an apprenticeship?
Yes. You’re eligible, but payments are issued differently and gradually decrease over time.
