Chapter 35 · Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
DEA may provide education or training support to eligible spouses and children of veterans or service members in qualifying circumstances, including a veteran permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability. A veteran's disability percentage alone doesn't establish every dependent's eligibility.
How to apply
- Check official DEA eligibility and time limits ↗ (spouses and children may have different rules).
- Apply online or complete VA Form 22-5490 ↗.
- Provide your chosen school's VA certifying official with proof of your application or approval.
- Ask the school to certify enrollment; complete any enrollment verification required by VA.
- Check the current VA education payment rates ↗ and confirm how full-time, part-time or training status affects payments.
Important: DEA generally provides a monthly payment to the eligible student, not automatic full tuition payment to the school. FAFSA grants and state tuition exemptions may be separate; eligibility rules and benefit interactions need checking. A spouse or dependent does not automatically qualify for transferable GI Bill benefits just because DEA is available.